Every caring parent wants a healthy baby. You may feel overprotective at every little change in your infant. Maybe your baby is crying more than usual, or your baby's skin looks a little pale. Whether you are a first-time parent or an experienced one, it can be difficult to distinguish between mild illnesses (such as the common cold) and more serious problems.
So when should you contact your pediatrician?
Appetite changes: If your newborn is refusing several feedings in a row, or he or she is eating poorly, you should contact your baby's doctor.
Dehydration: Call your doctor right away if your baby doesn't have a wet diaper after six hours, if your baby's soft spot seems to be sinking, if your baby's skin is cool or clammy, or if your baby has dry lips or mouth. These could all be signs of dehydration.
Diarrhea: If your baby's stool is loose or watery, you should call your doctor.
Vomiting: Spitting up a little after being fed is normal, but if your baby starts to throw up large portions of his or her meals, you should call your doctor. The pediatrician also needs a call if your baby is spitting up bile (greenish fluid).
Mood changes: Although fussiness and crying are often common in babies, if you notice that your baby is always irritable or has inconsolable crying spells, call your doctor.
Behavioral changes: If your baby is normally happy and smiling, but suddenly starts to act differently (like being more fussy or more attention than normal), you may want to call the doctor.
Fever: Mild fevers are usually harmless, but you should always contact your doctor if your baby has any fevers. For infants older than 3 months, if he or she has a temperature that is lower than 101F, make sure he or she gets plenty of fluids and rest. If his or her temperature is higher than that, call your doctor.
Penis and umbilical irritation: If your baby's umbilical area or his penis becomes red and inflamed, bleeds, or has other unusual characteristics, call your doctor right away.
Changes in bowel movement: Contact your pediatrician if your baby appears to have fewer bowel movements than normal.
Eye discharge: If your baby's eyes become pink, are red, or start leaking mucus, you need to call your doctor.
Complications from the cold: Although colds are normal, if your baby's cold interferes with his or he breathing, you should contact the pediatrician.
Rashes: Babies often get rashes, but you should call your doctor if the rash is accompanied with fever, bleeding or swelling, or oozing.
Always trust your instincts when it comes to your sick baby. If you feel uneasy about something, don't hesitate to call the pediatrician.
In general, most babies are very curious creatures. They want to touch everything, and they almost always put things in their mouths. This makes them more prone to getting sick. Plus, your baby's immune system is still very immature, so he or she is vulnerable to everyday germs and viruses that adults are immune to. Luckily, as your child grows, he will eventually develop immunity to the different viruses that cause common colds and other illnesses.
Did you know that on average, most children catch anywhere between six and ten colds a year? When they reach school age, this number can increase to more than ten colds every year!
As a parent, you should always prepare for illness. At your baby's scheduled check-ups, talk to your pediatrician about what to do and where to go if an emergency occurs. You should always keep your doctor's phone number and emergency numbers on hand at all times. To be even more prepared, you may want to take an infant CPR class or a first aid class.
You should head to the emergency room immediately if your baby experiences seizures, has difficulty breathing, is unresponsive, has blood in his or her urine, is in severe pain, or if his skin or lips are blue or purple.
Most sick babies are very clingy and want to be held. Paying attention and giving lots of hugs and cuddles to baby will go a long way in helping him or her feel better. If you are a very active mama or daddy, you may want to invest in a baby sling.
Baby slings allow you to walk around the house and go about your business, while holding baby close to you. Many parents who use baby slings notice that their babies are less irritable and happier. When your child is sick, carrying her around in a baby sling may give her the attention and comfort that she needs.
