There will be times during Baby’s first year when you will need to call his doctor. This guide will assist you in determining if Baby requires medical attention.
Newborn to Six Weeks
If Baby has any fever whatsoever it’s best to call his doctor.
If Baby’s eyes or skin has a yellow cast; this could indicate that jaundice.
Excessive vomiting, especially when Baby has not eaten.
Irregular breathing; faster, slower, rasping or labored needs immediate medical attention.
Reduce urination is a sign that Baby might be suffering from dehydration.
No appetite or an inability to eat.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If stool is loose and watery, call Baby’s physician.
Any bulging or shrinking of the fontanel, which is the soft spot on Baby’s head, needs immediate medical attention.
Six Weeks to a Year
A temperature over 101 degrees F should be reported to the doctor. Do not give fever reducing medication except on the advice of Baby’s physician.
Changes in bowel movements and urination habits should be reported. Loose watery stools can indicate dehydration.
Excessive vomiting, especially if no food has been eaten.
If Baby cries excessively in shrill tones, becomes lethargic, unusually sleepy, exceptionally irritable, has a reduction in appetite or is unresponsive.
Pulling at ears and crying. This could indicate ear infection, which may or may not be caused by teething.
If Baby’s skin has a bluish tinge, if his eyes are glassy, he has an unexplained rash, sunken or vacant looking eyes, unusual nasal discharge or swollen neck glands, call his doctor’s office for advice.