My baby is SICK – When to contact your pediatrician and what to say
Website design By BotEap.comAs a new parent, it’s sometimes hard to know when your child is sick enough to need medical attention and when he’s just overreacting.
Website design By BotEap.comDoes your worry come from being a normal, new parent with a lot of worry and very little experience? Or is your child really sick?
Website design By BotEap.comOf course you don’t want to make a mistake with the health of your new baby!
Website design By BotEap.comHere are some tips that can help you determine when to call the doctor. As always, if you are REALLY concerned and need reassurance, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician for advice.
Understand that he/she is used to this cycle and that your doctor knows that if he/she can educate you, he/she will be a better parent and your investment will be worth it. If you come across a pediatrician who is less than understanding when you get your phone call, FIND A NEW DOCTOR! Website design By BotEap.comWhen you call your doctor, his advice will depend on the following general criteria: Website design By BotEap.comThe severity of your child’s symptoms Website design By BotEap.comThe frequency of your child’s symptoms Website design By BotEap.comThe doctor may give you a temporary solution to help you until you can get to the office and may direct you to call the office to make an appointment. Or he or she may tell you to go to the emergency room if your symptoms or health problem is more serious and requires immediate attention. Website design By BotEap.comThe important thing to remember is not to panic. Be prepared to answer questions (we’ll go over this in a minute) and call your doctor’s office line. If you call at night, you’ll get an answering service and either ask the doctor to call you back or refer you to an ’emergency pager’ number. Website design By BotEap.comIf your child shows any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to call your pediatrician. Website design By BotEap.comFever – Although it is common for children between the ages of 2 and 12 months to develop a mild fever, your doctor will decide if your child should be checked or simply monitor and treat the symptoms of fever. Website design By BotEap.comVomiting or Diarrhea – Babies sometimes have loose stools (especially if you are breastfeeding) and all babies ‘throw up’. If these symptoms are frequent or severe, you should call your doctor. If your baby has had diarrhea or vomiting for a day or two, your doctor will be concerned about dehydration. Website design By BotEap.comUpper respiratory tract infections, colds: Colds and viruses can be uncomfortable for a baby, but are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your child is having trouble breathing or eating because he can’t breathe through his nose, or if your baby is coughing or congested, he should call his doctor. Website design By BotEap.comEar or eye problems: If your baby tugs at his ear or doesn’t seem to respond to your voice as usual, he may have an ear infection or congestion. This may be associated with fever and/or upper respiratory tract infection. Also, if your baby’s eyes are swollen or if she sees any discharge from her eyes, call her doctor. Website design By BotEap.comCuts, Bumps, Bruises: As your baby begins to crawl and walk, it’s likely that he or she will get a minor cut or bump from time to time. If you don’t know how to treat these minor injuries or if the cut seems to be taking a long time to heal, call your doctor. Website design By BotEap.comGeneral changes in habits: If your baby’s appetite, sleep patterns, mood, or motor skills seem to change dramatically and if these changes are persistent, call your doctor. If your child is lethargic or irritable at times of the day when they would otherwise be active or playful, and if these changes persist, call your doctor. If your child develops a rash all over the body or an unexplained rash (not a diaper rash), call your doctor. Also, if your child’s skin tone changes (turns yellow), call your doctor. This would usually happen within the first few weeks after you bring him home and could be a sign of jaundice, which is not unusual but requires treatment. Website design By BotEap.comEMERGENCIES! Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has any of these symptoms, you should consider it an emergency and immediately call 911 or take your child to an emergency room (DO NOT try to take your child to the emergency room if you are alone with the child). You will need someone in the car with you to watch your baby while she drives. Website design By BotEap.comIf you and your child are alone when the emergency occurs, stay calm and call 911.
Seek emergency treatment if your child: Website design By BotEap.comYou have ingested an unknown substance or a poisonous substance (such as a household cleaner) Website design By BotEap.comHas seizures or is unresponsive Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has a serious wound or cut that won’t stop bleeding or may require stitches Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is having real trouble breathing (wheezing, wheezing, or severe wheezing) and/or their skin tone is bluish or grayish (watch the fingernails and lips, as this is where you will first see these signs appear) Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has a high fever (100.4 F rectally for 0-3 months, or 102 F or higher when taken orally or by ear in children older than 3 months) Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has sustained a head injury (with or without bruising or outward signs) and appears to be listless, dizzy, vomiting, or sleepy or unresponsive Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is unable to move or has trouble moving their arms or legs or controlling motor skills they already master Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is choking or appears not to be breathing Website design By BotEap.comWhen you contact a medical professional or take your child for emergency care, you are expected to provide answers to questions that will help doctors, nurses, and EMTs better care for your child. Website design By BotEap.comKeep calm and be ready to answer these questions: Website design By BotEap.comhow old is your child Website design By BotEap.comDoes your child have any known medical conditions or problems (including drug and/or food allergies)? Website design By BotEap.comWhat are your child’s symptoms (how long has it been going on, how often (in the case of vomiting/diarrhea, etc.) Website design By BotEap.comHow is your child responding (crying, listless, unresponsive) Website design By BotEap.comWho your pediatrician is (if you go to an emergency care clinic or hospital instead of calling your doctor directly, they will need to know your doctor’s name in order to contact them and let them know they are treating their patient and get their advice) Website design By BotEap.comWhen was the last appointment with your child’s doctor? Do you have another scheduled soon? Website design By BotEap.comHas your baby been vaccinated? How long ago and for what? Has your baby received a tetanus shot? If so when? Website design By BotEap.comWhat changes, if any, have you noticed lately in your baby’s regular schedule? (eating, bowel or urinary habits, sleep, mood, etc.) Website design By BotEap.comHas anyone with a health problem or contagious disease been around your child recently? Have you fed your child something different recently, or given any new medication? Website design By BotEap.comAnd finally, be prepared to provide information about your medical coverage and the name of the pharmacy you use for your prescriptions. Website design By BotEap.comThe most important thing for all parents of children 1 to 12 months of age is to remain calm in case your child has a crisis or health problem. At this young age, your child is unable to care for his own needs and depends on you to make the right decisions. Do not panic! Call your doctor if you feel you need to, and let your intuition guide you there. And if it’s an emergency, take your child to the doctor right away!
Understand that he/she is used to this cycle and that your doctor knows that if he/she can educate you, he/she will be a better parent and your investment will be worth it. If you come across a pediatrician who is less than understanding when you get your phone call, FIND A NEW DOCTOR! Website design By BotEap.comWhen you call your doctor, his advice will depend on the following general criteria: Website design By BotEap.comThe severity of your child’s symptoms Website design By BotEap.comThe frequency of your child’s symptoms Website design By BotEap.comThe doctor may give you a temporary solution to help you until you can get to the office and may direct you to call the office to make an appointment. Or he or she may tell you to go to the emergency room if your symptoms or health problem is more serious and requires immediate attention. Website design By BotEap.comThe important thing to remember is not to panic. Be prepared to answer questions (we’ll go over this in a minute) and call your doctor’s office line. If you call at night, you’ll get an answering service and either ask the doctor to call you back or refer you to an ’emergency pager’ number. Website design By BotEap.comIf your child shows any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to call your pediatrician. Website design By BotEap.comFever – Although it is common for children between the ages of 2 and 12 months to develop a mild fever, your doctor will decide if your child should be checked or simply monitor and treat the symptoms of fever. Website design By BotEap.comVomiting or Diarrhea – Babies sometimes have loose stools (especially if you are breastfeeding) and all babies ‘throw up’. If these symptoms are frequent or severe, you should call your doctor. If your baby has had diarrhea or vomiting for a day or two, your doctor will be concerned about dehydration. Website design By BotEap.comUpper respiratory tract infections, colds: Colds and viruses can be uncomfortable for a baby, but are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your child is having trouble breathing or eating because he can’t breathe through his nose, or if your baby is coughing or congested, he should call his doctor. Website design By BotEap.comEar or eye problems: If your baby tugs at his ear or doesn’t seem to respond to your voice as usual, he may have an ear infection or congestion. This may be associated with fever and/or upper respiratory tract infection. Also, if your baby’s eyes are swollen or if she sees any discharge from her eyes, call her doctor. Website design By BotEap.comCuts, Bumps, Bruises: As your baby begins to crawl and walk, it’s likely that he or she will get a minor cut or bump from time to time. If you don’t know how to treat these minor injuries or if the cut seems to be taking a long time to heal, call your doctor. Website design By BotEap.comGeneral changes in habits: If your baby’s appetite, sleep patterns, mood, or motor skills seem to change dramatically and if these changes are persistent, call your doctor. If your child is lethargic or irritable at times of the day when they would otherwise be active or playful, and if these changes persist, call your doctor. If your child develops a rash all over the body or an unexplained rash (not a diaper rash), call your doctor. Also, if your child’s skin tone changes (turns yellow), call your doctor. This would usually happen within the first few weeks after you bring him home and could be a sign of jaundice, which is not unusual but requires treatment. Website design By BotEap.comEMERGENCIES! Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has any of these symptoms, you should consider it an emergency and immediately call 911 or take your child to an emergency room (DO NOT try to take your child to the emergency room if you are alone with the child). You will need someone in the car with you to watch your baby while she drives. Website design By BotEap.comIf you and your child are alone when the emergency occurs, stay calm and call 911.
Seek emergency treatment if your child: Website design By BotEap.comYou have ingested an unknown substance or a poisonous substance (such as a household cleaner) Website design By BotEap.comHas seizures or is unresponsive Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has a serious wound or cut that won’t stop bleeding or may require stitches Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is having real trouble breathing (wheezing, wheezing, or severe wheezing) and/or their skin tone is bluish or grayish (watch the fingernails and lips, as this is where you will first see these signs appear) Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has a high fever (100.4 F rectally for 0-3 months, or 102 F or higher when taken orally or by ear in children older than 3 months) Website design By BotEap.comIf your child has sustained a head injury (with or without bruising or outward signs) and appears to be listless, dizzy, vomiting, or sleepy or unresponsive Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is unable to move or has trouble moving their arms or legs or controlling motor skills they already master Website design By BotEap.comIf your child is choking or appears not to be breathing Website design By BotEap.comWhen you contact a medical professional or take your child for emergency care, you are expected to provide answers to questions that will help doctors, nurses, and EMTs better care for your child. Website design By BotEap.comKeep calm and be ready to answer these questions: Website design By BotEap.comhow old is your child Website design By BotEap.comDoes your child have any known medical conditions or problems (including drug and/or food allergies)? Website design By BotEap.comWhat are your child’s symptoms (how long has it been going on, how often (in the case of vomiting/diarrhea, etc.) Website design By BotEap.comHow is your child responding (crying, listless, unresponsive) Website design By BotEap.comWho your pediatrician is (if you go to an emergency care clinic or hospital instead of calling your doctor directly, they will need to know your doctor’s name in order to contact them and let them know they are treating their patient and get their advice) Website design By BotEap.comWhen was the last appointment with your child’s doctor? Do you have another scheduled soon? Website design By BotEap.comHas your baby been vaccinated? How long ago and for what? Has your baby received a tetanus shot? If so when? Website design By BotEap.comWhat changes, if any, have you noticed lately in your baby’s regular schedule? (eating, bowel or urinary habits, sleep, mood, etc.) Website design By BotEap.comHas anyone with a health problem or contagious disease been around your child recently? Have you fed your child something different recently, or given any new medication? Website design By BotEap.comAnd finally, be prepared to provide information about your medical coverage and the name of the pharmacy you use for your prescriptions. Website design By BotEap.comThe most important thing for all parents of children 1 to 12 months of age is to remain calm in case your child has a crisis or health problem. At this young age, your child is unable to care for his own needs and depends on you to make the right decisions. Do not panic! Call your doctor if you feel you need to, and let your intuition guide you there. And if it’s an emergency, take your child to the doctor right away!