What to do if your baby is sick
Based on content from Johnson & Johnson's Baby Care Basics: The Essential Guide for New Parents.
If your baby has a fever, is not interested in feeding, develops a rash, is vomiting, has watery diarrhea or cold symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician.
Subtler symptoms may also be signs of illness - for example, your baby isn't interested in being held, is more irritable or tired than usual, cries more weakly than usual, doesn't smile when a favorite toy is offered, or just doesn't seem to behave as usual. The best thing to do if you notice these signs is to contact your pediatrician and further describe your baby's symptoms to him or her.
Being Prepared
- Familiarize yourself with local emergency services in your area (such as 911)
- Always have with you
- Your pediatrician's phone number
- A copy of your child's insurance card
- A copy of your child's vaccination record
Because it might be difficult for you to remember numbers you need when you're worried about your baby, have them written down and available at all times.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if you child has any of the following symptoms:
- Stiff neck
- Persistent vomiting
- Is irritable and cannot be comforted
- Severe headache or stomachache
- Skin rash other than diaper rash
- Fever that lasts more than 72 hours
- Fever that goes away for more than 24 hours then returns
- Fever of 103?F or higher
Or whenever you are in doubt
Seek emergency medical attention immediately, or call 911 or other emergency numbers if your child:
- Appears lethargic or unresponsive
- Has seizures
- Exhibits difficulty breathing
Is It a Fever?
A temperature of 98.6?F is considered normal, but body temperature typically varies during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning, and highest in the afternoon. Normal temperatures also differ from person to person. Babies frequently have a higher normal temperature than adults. Feeling your baby's forehead is not an accurate way to take your infant's temperature. It can tell you only if your infant's forehead is warm or not.
Temperature readings can even vary depending on how the temperature was taken. Because normal temperatures differ slightly, the definition of a fever can vary too. Consult your pediatrician on the best way to take your baby's temperature.
Temperatures above the following are generally considered fevers:
- Rectal - above 100.4?F
- Oral - above 99.5?F
- Axillary - above 99.0?F
- Tympanic - above 99.5?F (oral setting); above 100.5?F
Find out how to take your baby's temperature properly by talking to your pediatrician. Also, you can visit babycenter.com for additional information.
Safely Treating a Fever
After talking to your pediatrician, there are some steps you can take to help bring fever down:
Medication: Follow your pediatrician's advice concerning infant fever medications
Fluids: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Doing this will help prevent dehydration and cool the body. Younger babies should be offered water or a feeding. Older children can be given diluted fruit juice. Avoid soda and liquids with caffeine.
Warmth: Sometimes children with fever also get the chills. Use a blanket for warmth and hold your baby for extra warmth and comfort. Remember not to put your baby in the crib with a blanket.
Cool off: Keep your child at rest in loose, light cotton clothing, and give a lukewarm (slightly warmer than room temperature) sponge bath to help lower body temperature.
Remember, it's always important to monitor your baby closely. Whenever you're in doubt, call your pediatrician.
