When to Call the Doctor

Appetite

Your baby's appetite will probably vary from day to day, and this is normal; however, if you notice your baby is consistently not eating as usual, tires easily from sucking or loses interest in feeding, she may be ill. Remember that babies cannot go for long periods without food or water without becoming dehydrated.

Other Symptoms

If your baby has swollen glands in her neck or abdomen, is expelling green mucus from her nose, has a prolonged cough, her soft spot bulges outward, or if she leans forward limply and drools, you should call the doctor. And if any of these symptoms is accompanied by a fever, seek immediate medical attention.

The following are emergency situations for which you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Bleeding that cannot be stopped

• Poisoning

• Seizures

• Difficulty breathing

• Head injury

• Loss of consciousness

• Wound deep enough that it may require stitches

• Severe burns

• Suspected bone fracture

• Animal bite

If you do call the doctor, have the following information handy to help the nurse or doctor assess your child's condition:

• What are the child's symptoms?

• When did the symptoms begin?

• What is the child's rectal temperature?

• Is the child on any medication? If so, what medication, at what dosage, and when was it last administered?

• Is the child drinking fluids?

• Is the child behaving normally?

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