Signs of when to call the doctor

If your child is unwell you’ll want to make sure she’s getting the best possible care. There will be physical signs if she has a fever (her cheek or forehead will feel hot if you touch your lips to it) and she’s likely to be cranky.

Your child’s normal temperature will range between 97 and 100 degrees but any slight rise isn’t a cause for panic, especially if she’s feeding normally and seems well in herself (see basic health check for advice on how to take her temperature). As a rule, call your pediatrician if any of the following apply:

- Under three monthswith a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
- Three to six months with a temperature of 101 degrees or higher.

- Six months and over with a temperature of 103 degrees or higher.

If your child has any of the following symptoms, call your pediatrician straightaway:

- Drowsiness.

- Purple rash.

- Stiff neck and headache.

- He is quiet and his skin is cold to touch.

- His temperature rises, falls, then rises again.

- He has a fever for more than two or three days.

- ?He has had convulsions in the past.

You should also check with your pediatrician if…

- Your baby’s skin color changes and appears yellowish, or bluish around his lips and nails.

- You notice changes in your baby’s appetite – for example, he refuses several feeds or is eating poorly but is usually a good eater.

- He is difficult to rouse or appears drowsy.

- He has diarrhea. Remember that breastfed babies have more watery stools than bottlefed babies, but if your baby has loose watery stools over six to eight diaper changes, check with your pediatrician.

- Your baby vomits. Occasional spitting up of milk is normal, but bringing up a large portion of every feed isn’t.

- Your baby has constipation – if he’s crying during a bowel movement, passing jelly-like stools or having fewer bowel movements than normal.

- You think your baby is dehydrated – he may not have had a wet diaper in around six hours, his fontanelles (soft spots) may appear sunken or he may cry without producing tears. Bear in mind that newborn babies cry (a lot) but don’t produce any tears until their tear ducts develop at around three to 12 weeks.

- Your baby seems cranky and is to be pulling at his ear – it could signal an ear infection.

- He has a bad cold that is interfering with his breathing and feeding.

Most parents know instinctively when something is wrong with their child, so trust your instincts if you notice a change in your child’s behavior.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 03/07/2007

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