When to Call Your Pediatrician
In general, you should call your pediatrician if your baby:- has a fever (rectal temperature at or above 100.4 F for infants less than 3 months old; 101 F for infants 3 to 6 months old; 103 F for infants 6 months or older)
- is vomiting more than a few times, especially if it is dark green or projectile
- has symptoms of dehydration (urinating less often, dry mouth, weight loss, etc.)
- has a cough that continues to worsen after 3 to 5 days, is lingering more than 7 to 10 days, or comes in fits that are affecting his breathing (a sign of pertussis)
- is having trouble breathing (fast, hard breathing and wheezing)
- is very fussy and hard to console
- is lethargic and hard to wake up, especially if he is skipping feedings
- has bloody diarrhea
- has been sick, such as with an ear infection, cold, or diarrhea, and suddenly seems a lot worse
And for some things -- such as a seizure, fall with loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reaction -- you should immediately call 911 and notify your pediatrician only after your baby has received emergency medical attention.
