When Should You Call the Doctor

With infants, it’s so hard to figure out whether they are crying for attention, out of hunger or because something is really wrong. It can be daunting for some mothers, especially when they are alone at home with the baby. Expert advice and reassurance will be the only factor that can put worry out of your mind.

It’s important to contact one good pediatrician throughout the development of your baby. In the first few days, if you feel that the baby is not drinking enough milk, inform your doctor. Lack of nutrients in the early weeks can cause developmental drawbacks, the effects which can manifest itself much in later life.

Sometimes you may think that you are overreacting to what may be a simple issue. Many mothers wonder, do I or don’t I make the call to the doctor. Of course when it comes to your precious baby, it is always best to take action. So, go ahead and pick up the phone if your gut tells you that something is not right with your baby. Ask every question that you will have, to set your mind at ease. Write down each date of your appointment with the pediatrician and also what advice he/she gave. Carefully note down all the possible ‘bad signs’ you observe in your baby.  You never know when these notes will come in useful.

Below, we have given a number of common symptoms which needs the doctor’s attention:

1. Changes in appearance – Every day you will no doubt check the baby up and down, to make sure he is in good health. If the infant’s color has changed (i.e. to unusually pale) or if there is any inflammation, blister or rash to be seen, it should not go unnoticed by a doctor.
2. Changes in behavior- You alone will know if there is any change in your baby. Does he seem tired, restless, listless, or irritable? Does he cry nonstop despite all your efforts to soothe him?
3. Fever- If it reaches over 101 ◦F, waste no time. Not all sick babies show fever.
4. Colds- A mild cold is nothing to fret over but if it gets worse, does not get better, if the baby looks sicker or if new symptoms develop with the persistence of the cold, it spells trouble.
5. Breathing difficulties- any gagging action or hoarseness should be immediately reported.
6. Decrease in appetite- if this occurs with other symptoms, talk to the experts.
7. Vomiting and diarrhea
8. Blood in stool or vomitus
9. Pain in ears, tummy or the urinary tract- Most probably you will alerted to this by the baby’s incessant crying.
10. Blow to the head or limbs- the head is a very sensitive part of the baby, unlike in adults. Any injury should therefore be attended to by a doctor. If the baby’s reaction to the injury is not normal, a doctor needs to see the baby within 15 minutes of the injury.
11. Nosebleeds