Knowing when you should take your baby or toddler to the doctor is often tricky. While you don't want to overlook something that may be serious, you also don't want to have to travel all the way in, wait in the office, pay the co-pay, expose your child to all of the germs associated with doctors' offices, just to find out it was something that was of little worry. Sometimes it's what we do. We're parents. It can be difficult to diagnose a problem, as the children are too young to tell you what’s wrong with them. The trick is knowing the symptoms and what to look for.
Don’t panic. Cooler heads always prevail. Also, remember we were all new parents at one point and didn’t know what we were doing. The great thing about parenting is that you’re always a new. Every stage is a challenge. As soon as you’re feeling seasoned, like you know what you’re doing, the kids are hitting a new age group with new unknowns. The good news is that other parents have been there and can relay their experience.
We've compiled the typical symptoms of the 6 common ailments you'll find within the first 2 years, and a guide to know when it’s time to head to see a professional.
FEVER
Diana Rosenberg, M.D. says to call the doctor if your infant has any fever.
If a 3-6-month-old has a temperature of 101.
Older toddlers, call at 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any child that has a fever lasting more than three days should go in.
JAUNDICE
Jaundice is fairly common in newborns, presenting itself with a yellow color to their skin or eyes. Newborn are usually checked for jaundice between the 3rd and 7th day after birth. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you notice these symptoms at home, it could be caused by an underlying issues like internal bleeding, an infection in your baby's blood, liver malfunction, or an enzyme deficiency. Seek out medical attention.
COUGHS AND COLDS
Colds, when your child is less than 3 months old, can become serious issues such as bronchitis or pneumonia. So, at the first sign of an issue at this age, call the doctor.
Now, if they’re older than 3 months, call the doctor if the child is having problems breathing, ears are hurting, or has a stuffy nose or cough that lasts more than a week. Breathing problems in general should be paid attention to.
Alfred Sacchetti, M.D. says that if you can see the space between your child’s ribs being pulled in between breaths, go to the ER as it could be a sign of a bad cough or asthma.
VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
One incident? Nothing to worry about. However, if either persists,
Step 1- Keep your child hydrated.
Step 2- Call your pediatrician if your child’s symptoms last more than a few hours or get worse, (according to Ashanti W. Woods, M.D.)
Also, contact the doctor if blood is found in either!
RASHES
These are tricky. Rashes can apear for a number of different reasons. From allergic reactions to teething, most are nothing to worry about. David L. Hill, M.D. says that most rashes fade for a moment when pressed on with your finger. If they present as tiny red dots on the child’s chest, back, arms, or legs and do not fade when pressed, go to the doctor immediately. This could be nothing, but could also be something as serious as meningitis or a disease of the blood vessels.
CHANGES IN APPETITE OR BEHAVIOR
Another tough call because toddlers, am i right? As far as your baby, the Mayo Clinic says to contact your doctor if your baby refuses several feedings in a row. Another sign something serious is wrong is if they start being hard to wake up or are unusually sleepy or floppy. Make an immediate trip to the ER, or at the very least, give your pediatrician a call.
Finally, remember that before your little ones can talk and tell you what’s wrong, they can cry. You've probably already learned what some of these cries mean. If they cry nonstop, and nothing you do seems to help, contact your doctor.
Naturally, err on the side of caution and your own intuition. If you think your kid needs to head to the doctor’s office or the ER, take them.
Be sure to check out our other parenting advice.
* Also published on FamiliesofMultiples.com