Your Baby's Health: Steps to Take If Your Baby Is Ill

By Ben Flannery, MD, FamilyHealth Medical Clinic pediatrician

Children are often a mystery, even to the best of parents. As a pediatrician and father, you might think I have everything figured out. Unfortunately, I am nowhere close to that feat. But that doesn’t stop me from trying! At the Oct. 22 Sleep, Rattle and Roll educational event at the FamilyHealth Medical Clinic in Lakeville, I will discuss several topics that are commonly asked about in my work as a pediatrician, including:

• Steps to take if your child is ill
• Signs that your child may have more than the common cold
• Signs that your child is developing on track
• Healthy habits to help kids grow well.

Telling the difference between a fussy cry and a sick baby can stump all parents. But with a few tips, you can help determine when your baby needs emergency care or a checkup at a doctor's office.

A True Emergency

If your baby is experiencing any of the symptoms below, go to your nearest emergency facility or call 911 immediately. Emergency symptoms include:

• Poisoning
• Seizures
• Cuts that do not stop bleeding or appear to need stitches
• Labored breathing
• A fever higher than 100.4° F when taken with a rectal thermometer for newborns younger than 3 months, or 102° F for older infants and children
• Head injuries
• Choking
• Unresponsiveness

If you question whether your baby needs emergency medical attention, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Time to Visit a Doctor

There are times when your baby may be ill and needs to see a doctor, but a trip to the hospital may not be necessary. Non-emergency medical situations tend to be changes in your baby's daily habits. Such instances include the onset of diarrhea that lasts six to eight diaper changes, constipation resulting in bloody stools or fewer bowel movements than usual over a few days, vomiting that is vigorous or excessive, and no wet diapers for six hours or more due to dehydration. You should also call your doctor right away if your baby has a fever.

Upper respiratory and ear infections are common among infants. If your baby develops a severe cough or colored phlegm or mucus, seek medical care. Noticing that your baby pulls on his or her ear and the presence of a fever can signal an ear infection. Pay close attention to your baby's appetite. If your baby doesn't eat for two consecutive feedings or is lethargic and has difficulty feeding, call your doctor right away. Skin color changing to a yellowish hue in a newborn could mean he or she has developed jaundice and should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Needing Some TLC

All babies can go through fussy times throughout the day. After making sure all physical needs are met – your baby has just eaten, has a clean diaper and is in a comfortable environment – focus on emotional needs. Try changing your baby's position, introducing a new toy or walking around with him or her to help your baby calm down and stop crying. If your baby has been crying for three consecutive hours without any sign of letting up, call your doctor. Most important, your baby should always know that you are there to comfort him or her and to take care of every need.

Have a question about your baby's health? Come to our Sleep, Rattle and Roll event 6 pm on Oct. 22 at the FamilyHealth Medical Clinic in Lakeville (9974 214th St. West) to hear from a variety of child health experts, including me, a sleep specialist and a dietitian.