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When your baby is sick, it can be difficult to know when it is appropriate to call the doctor.
You don’t want to overreact, but you don’t want to dismiss it, either. Some symptoms
are harmless, while others need immediate attention. The following are general guidelines on
when to call the doctor:
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Fever - An infant younger than 3 months old with any fever should be seen by a doctor. An older
baby that has a fever but otherwise appears completely well should be observed for a few days.
Warning signs to look for include lethargic behavior, poor eye contact and interaction, a stiff
neck, or the baby appears to be in pain.
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Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a few hours. This can lead to dehydration, which is a
serious condition. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and lips, dry skin, decreased urination,
no tears, weight loss and a sunken soft spot (on an infant). Call the doctor immediately at any
signs of dehydration.
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Not eating for more than a day
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Persistent cough or wheezing
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Ear pain or drainage from ear
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Jaundice - a yellow color in the whites of the eyes or skin
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A cough or cold that persists for several days, gets worse or is
accompanied by a fever
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Behavioral changes such as extreme sleepiness or lethargy, unusual
excitement or relentless crying
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