Febrile convulsions are seizures triggered by a rapid rise in temperature in young children, usually between six months and five years. They often occur during a cold, throat infection, ear infection or urinary infection. For parents they are terrifying, but most febrile convulsions are brief and do not cause lasting harm. Good first aid for febrile convulsions keeps the child safe while the seizure runs its course and prepares you to seek medical help.
Signs of Febrile Convulsions
- A hot, flushed and sweaty child, often with a recent cold or infection
- Stiffening of the body, with arching of the back and head
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Eyes rolling or turning up, and unresponsiveness
- Frothing at the mouth, blue lips or holding of breath
- Sometimes vomiting or loss of bladder control
Febrile Convulsions First Aid: 6 Steps
- Stay calm and note the time. Most convulsions stop within a few minutes.
- Protect the child. Move them away from danger or lay them on a soft surface, and do not restrain them.
- Place them on their side to keep the airway clear and let any saliva or vomit drain out, using the recovery position as soon as it is safe.
- Remove excess clothing and keep the room comfortable. A light layer is enough. Do not use cold baths or fans to force the temperature down.
- Put nothing in the mouth, including food, drinks or medicine.
- Stay with the child and watch their breathing until they are alert again.
When to Call an Ambulance
Call the emergency number if the febrile convulsions last more than five minutes, if one convulsion follows another, if the child has trouble breathing, stays very drowsy or limp, has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, or if it is their first seizure and you are unsure. Children under six months, or any child with a pre-existing neurological condition, need urgent assessment.
After the Convulsion
Even when a child recovers well, take them to a doctor on the same day to look for the cause of the fever. Fever medicines can make the child more comfortable, but they do not prevent febrile convulsions, so follow the label for the child’s age and weight or ask a pharmacist. Keep the child cool, offer fluids, and watch overnight.
Will Febrile Convulsions Happen Again?
About one in three children who have febrile convulsions will have another with a later fever. Most outgrow them by age five or six. The risk of developing epilepsy is small. See our guide to epileptic seizure first aid for comparison, and speak to a doctor if convulsions recur or occur without fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are febrile convulsions dangerous?
They look frightening but are usually harmless and brief. The aim is to protect the child and find the cause of the fever.
Should I give paracetamol straight away?
Wait until the convulsion has stopped and the child is awake, then follow the label or professional advice.
References and Further Reading
Last updated: October 2026
Prepared by: EHS Guidelines Editorial Team
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for accredited first aid training or professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Emergency numbers, medicines and protocols differ between countries, so follow local guidance.
Related Guides
- Epileptic Seizure First Aid: What to Do and What Never to Do
- Croup in Children: Signs, Home Care and When to Call an Ambulance
- Recovery Position: A Step by Step Guide
- Vital Signs Observations: Pulse, Breathing, Conscious State and Skin
- CPR for Infants and Children: Technique and Key Differences from Adults
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