Yes, a baby can show fever after a fall, but most fevers come from illness; urgent red flags after head injury need same-day care.
Parents ask this a lot: can a baby get fever after a fall? It can happen, but not all fevers trace back to the bump. Many babies pick up a virus the same week they tumble off a low couch. Your job is to spot the signs that point to a head injury, keep calm watch at home when it’s safe, and get help fast when danger signs appear.
Can A Baby Get Fever After A Fall? Signs That Matter
Fever can follow head trauma for a few reasons. A mild concussion may trigger a brief spike. A large bruise or cut can raise temperature for a day. In rare, severe trauma, damage in brain areas that control temperature can drive a higher reading. Most of the time the source is a cold, ear infection, or another bug that showed up the same day. The path is the same: check for red flags, treat comfort, and track symptoms for most families.
Quick Triage Table
Use this table to pair your baby’s age, temperature, and symptoms with a safe next step.
| Age/Context | What You See | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 months | Temp ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) at any time | Call your doctor now or go to urgent care/ER |
| Under 12 months | Hard fall, abnormal cry, or not feeding | Same-day medical check |
| Any age | Repeated vomiting after the fall | ER check today |
| Any age | Seizure, unequal pupils, weakness | Call emergency services |
| Toddler | Fever under 102°F, acting normal | Home care and watch for 24 hours |
| Any age | Fever lasts > 48 hours or climbs | Clinic visit in person |
| Any age | High fall (stairs, counter), or hard hit | Medical check even if acting well |
| Recent scalp cut | Warmth near the wound, mild temp | Clean, dress, and call if redness spreads |
Why Fever Can Follow A Fall
Coincidence: Viral Bug In The Same Week
Households with babies live in a swirl of sniffles. A runny nose, teething fuss, and a tumble can land on the same day. That mix makes the fall look like the trigger. In many cases the fever started for another reason and the bump just got the blame.
Inflammation From A Mild Concussion
Some kids get a short-lived rise in temperature after a concussion. It tends to settle as rest and hydration kick in. If fever keeps climbing, if your child seems worse, or if new signs appear, move to care right away.
Neurogenic Fever After Severe Trauma
In rare, severe head injury, the brain’s thermostat can misfire and cause high temperature. This pattern shows up in hospital care and needs a team. At home, the clue is a hard hit with worrisome signs from the start.
When To Seek Medical Care
Use plain triggers, not guesswork. These signs mean your child needs same-day care or emergency care:
- Loss of consciousness, even for seconds
- Repeated vomiting or worsening headache
- Seizure, stiff neck, or new weakness
- One pupil larger than the other, or vision changes
- Hard to wake, very irritable, or not acting like themselves
- Fever in an infant under 3 months (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
- High fall, fast car stop, or impact from a heavy object
You can scan official lists for danger signs on the CDC HEADS UP page. For baby-specific guidance after a hit to the head, see the AAP HealthyChildren guide.
Can A Baby Develop A Fever After A Fall — What Doctors See
Clinic teams look at the whole picture: the height of the fall, the surface, any loss of consciousness, and behavior since the event. A mild bump with a low-grade fever and a runny nose points to a virus. A high fall with no tears, a blank look, or a new gait points to a head injury. A cut on the scalp can bleed a lot and scare you; bleeding alone doesn’t predict brain injury.
Common Non-Head Causes That Travel With A Fall
- Cold or ear infection starting the same day
- Teething plus drool rash and low-grade temp
- Post-vaccination day with a mild fever
Head Injury Symptoms That Raise Concern
- Unusual sleepiness, not waking to feed
- Worsening headache or nonstop crying
- Poor balance or new clumsiness
- Clear fluid from nose or ears
Safe Home Care After A Minor Bump
When your child looks well and none of the danger signs apply, home care is fine. The plan: rest, fluids, and gentle pain relief if your doctor agrees. Paracetamol/acetaminophen is the usual first choice in young kids. Skip ibuprofen for babies under six months unless your doctor says it’s fine. Use exact dosing by weight.
Ice, Wound Care, And Comfort
- Hold a wrapped ice pack to the bump for 10–20 minutes at a time
- Clean cuts with water, apply pressure for bleeding, then a small dressing
- Offer frequent sips of breast milk, formula, or water if age-appropriate
Monitoring Plan For The First 24 Hours
Keep a light watch through the first night. You don’t need to keep a well child awake, but do a quiet check every few hours. Look for normal breathing, easy rousing, and steady behavior the next day.
Second Table: Red Flags And Actions
| Red Flag | What It Looks Like | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of consciousness | Went limp or unresponsive | Emergency care now |
| Repeated vomiting | Two or more episodes | ER today |
| Worsening headache | Pain grows or won’t settle | Clinic or ER |
| Seizure | Shaking or staring spells | Call emergency services |
| Behavior change | Not tracking, odd irritability | Same-day check |
| Weakness or balance trouble | Dragging a limb, new wobble | Same-day check |
| Bulging soft spot | Fontanelle looks tense | ER today |
How To Measure Temperature Correctly
Use a digital thermometer and a clear method. For babies under three months, rectal readings give the best accuracy. For older infants, axillary readings can help, but confirm any high reading with a rectal check if you can do so safely. Ear and forehead devices vary by brand and user technique.
Numbers That Guide Action
- Under 3 months: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs a call right away
- 3–24 months: call for 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or sooner if your child looks unwell
- Any age: a fever that lasts beyond two days needs a clinic visit
What Doctors Do At The Clinic Or ER
Teams ask about the fall: height, surface, witnessed or not, and behavior since. They check pupils, neck, and reflexes, watch balance, and look for scalp swelling. Imaging isn’t routine for every bump.
Why Scans Aren’t Routine
CT uses radiation, so teams order scans when the exam and story suggest risk. Many kids with mild symptoms go home with a plan to rest and return if signs get worse.
Prevention That Works Day To Day
- Use a snug car seat and rear-facing seat as long as allowed
- Never leave a baby on a couch, bed, or changing table unattended
- Gate stairs, pad sharp corners, and keep floors clear
- Use a helmet for ride-on toys and bikes when age-appropriate
Putting It All Together
Can a baby get fever after a fall? Yes. The next step is to sort the source and watch for danger signs. Most fevers in the days after a tumble come from common bugs. Head injury red flags change the plan: seek care the same day. When your child looks well and the story fits a minor bump, home care and a 24-hour watch are safe. If your gut says something is off, get checked.