Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical assistance .
FEVER Call a doctor if : þ
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In a baby under 2 months old , a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or higher is an emergency . Take the baby to the emergency room or an urgent care immediately if your doctor is not available to see them . You have an infant under 3 months old and they run any fever . You have an infant ages 3-6 months and they have a rectal temperature over 101 degrees F or higher . You have a child over 6 months old and they have a rectal temperature over 103 degrees F or higher . If the fever lasts more than 3 days , regardless of the age of the child .
COLD SYMPTOMS : Call the doctor if : þ The child develops an earache . þ The child develops a fever over 102 degrees F . þ
The child becomes exceptionally sleepy , cranky or fussy . þ A skin rash develops . þ
Breathing becomes rapid or labored . Your child ’ s nostrils flare or ribs sink in with a breath . If there is a wheeze or other noise when they try to breathe . þ The cough becomes persistent or severe .
Call 911 right away if a bluish color appears around your child ’ s lips or nails . They are not getting enough oxygen and this is an emergency .
VOMITING AND DIAHREA : Call a doctor if these symptoms appear : þ þ
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Crying but no tears Less pee than usual -- fewer than 6 wet diapers per day in infants Dark urine Dry , cracked lips and mouth Sunken eyes Crankiness Sunken soft spot on top of the head ( in babies younger than 18 months ) If vomiting or diarrhea last more than 24 hours
If there is a a red or black color in the poop or vomit , or flecks that look like coffee grounds , these could be blood . Seek medical attention immediately .
RASH þ þ þ þ þ þ
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If the rash lasts more than three days If it is a rash with a fever A rash that oozes or weeps A blistery or bubbly rash A rash that looks like a bull ’ s-eye or target Swollen bumps on the skin , along with trouble breathing or swelling of the face A rash on a child who looks sick or isn ’ t acting like themselves
OTHER SYMPTOMS THAT NEED IMMEDIATE ACTION þ þ þ
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Trouble waking your child Sharp or constant belly pain Burning when your child pees or blood in their urine A constant need to pee Seizures Changes in appetite over a period of time ( several feedings in a row ) If your child is floppy , crying more than usual or very hard to console . þ Tender navel or penis , especially with redness ,
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þ oozing or bleeding . If your child has fewer bowel movements for a few days and seems uncomfortable . If one or both eyes are leaking mucus or are unusually red and swollen .
WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE þ þ þ þ þ
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Bleeding that can ’ t be stopped Poisoning Seizures Increasing difficulty breathing Any change in consciousness , confusion , a bad headache or vomiting several times after a head injury Unconsciousness , acting strangely or becoming more withdrawn and less alert Large or deep cuts or burns or smoke inhalation Skin or lips that look blue , purple or gray Increasing or severe persistent pain Major mouth or facial injuries Near drowning
FLORIDA Baby MAGAZINE | 9