Based on content from Johnson & Johnson's Baby Care Basics: The Essential Guide for New Parents.
Caring for your baby can be such a rewarding experience, but if your baby is not feeling well, it can be a bit worrisome. The most important thing is to stay calm, and to remember that whenever in doubt, call your pediatrician.
If your baby has trouble breathing, has 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.
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
To learn more about your baby's health, visit BabyCenter.com.
