When to seek medical attention for your sick baby

By January 6, 2016Blog

baby laying next to thermometer, text reading "when to seek help"It’s always upsetting to see your baby in a miserable state, and you of course do everything you can to get them immediate relief; however, it’s important to know when you should call your baby’s doctor. Many parents find themselves at the doctor quite often. The reason for this is that your baby’s immune system is still maturing. So they are more prone to minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, and upset stomachs than older children and adults.

 

Young babies can also get worse very suddenly when they are ill, so always err on the side of caution. Even if you think your baby is just “not right”, it’s best to get her checked by a doctor. The good news is that while babies can get ill quickly, they also recover quickly once they get the right treatment.

When to contact your baby’s doctor

An occasional illness is usually nothing to worry about in an otherwise healthy baby — but sometimes it’s best to contact the doctor. Look for these signs and symptoms:

  • Changes in appetite. If your baby refuses several feedings in a row or eats poorly, contact the doctor.
  • Changes in mood. If your baby is lethargic or unusually difficult to rouse, tell the doctor right away. Also let the doctor know if your baby is persistently irritable, won’t make eye contact with you or has inconsolable crying jags.
  • Tender navel or penis. Contact the doctor if your baby’s umbilical area or penis suddenly becomes red or starts to ooze or bleed.
  • Fever. Mild fevers are common and usually harmless, but keep an eye on the thermometer. If your baby is younger than 3 months old, contact the doctor for any fever. If your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) and seems sick or has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C), contact the doctor. Also, if your baby is 6 to 24 months old and has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other signs or symptoms, contact the doctor. If your baby also has other signs or symptoms — such as a cold, cough or diarrhea — you might contact the doctor sooner based on their severity.
  • Diarrhea. Contact the doctor if your baby’s stools are especially loose or watery.
  • Vomiting. Occasional spitting up is normal. Contact the doctor if your baby vomits forcefully after feedings, vomits for more than 12 hours, or also has diarrhea or a fever.
  • Dehydration. Contact the doctor if your baby cries without tears, has significantly fewer wet diapers or has a dry mouth without saliva. Also contact the doctor if the top of your baby’s head seems to sink.
  • Constipation. If your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual for a few days and appears to be struggling or uncomfortable, contact the doctor.
  • Colds. Contact the doctor if your baby has a cold that interferes with his or her breathing or is accompanied by severe coughing.
  • Ear trouble. Contact the doctor if your baby doesn’t respond normally to sounds.
  • Rash. Contact the doctor if a rash appears infected or if your baby suddenly develops an unexplained rash — especially if the rash is accompanied by a fever or diarrhea.
  • Eye discharge. If one or both eyes are pink, red or leaking mucus, contact the doctor.

Be prepared to answer questions

Whether you contact your baby’s doctor or seek emergency care, be prepared to help the medical staff understand what’s happening with your baby. Expect questions about:

  • Your baby’s symptoms. What prompted you to seek medical attention for your baby? What are your specific concerns?
  • Your baby’s medical history. Does your baby have any known allergies? Are your baby’s immunizations current? Does your baby have any chronic conditions? Be prepared to share details about your pregnancy and the baby’s birth.
  • Changes in your baby’s feeding and bowel movements. Have you noticed changes in your baby’s eating or drinking patterns, in the number of wet diapers, or in the number and consistency of bowel movements?
  • Changes in your baby’s temperature. Does your baby have a fever? What’s your baby’s temperature? How did you take your baby’s temperature? At what time did you take your baby’s temperature?
  • Home remedies and medications. Have you tried any home remedies or given your baby any over-the-counter or prescription medications? If so, what, how much and when?

Also, before you contact your baby’s doctor make sure you’re prepared to jot down any instructions. Be sure to have your pharmacy’s contact information ready, too.

Being prepared will save you and your baby’s doctor time — and stress — during a phone call, office visit or emergency situation.