No matter how careful you are, there may be a time when your baby is sick or injured. Any time things don't seem right with your baby, err on the side of caution and call your baby's doctor, says the <a href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aafp" target="_blank">American Academy of Family Physicians</a>&nbsp;(AAFP). Here are some specific symptoms that warrant a phone call:
<ul>
 <li>Drop in temperature or fever over 100.4 degrees.</li>
 <li>Breathing problems, including quick or uneven breathing.</li>
 <li>Blood in the baby's vomit or stool.</li>
 <li>Constant vomiting.</li>
 <li>Unable to keep fluids down without vomiting.</li>
 <li>Any sign of infection.</li>
 <li>Any sign of dehydration. For example: dry mouth, crying without tears, urinating less, sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on the head.</li>
 <li>Diarrhea that occurs more than eight times in eight hours.</li>
 <li>Unresponsive to sounds or moving objects.</li>
</ul>
The academy offers these suggestions for getting the most out of a call to the doctor:
<ul>
 <li>Have a pen and paper ready to write down instructions and questions that come up during the call.</li>
 <li>Take your child's temperature. Write down the temperature and the time you took it.</li>
 <li>Mention any past medical problems.</li>
 <li>If you're giving your baby any prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements, say so.</li>
 <li>If possible, have your child near the phone when you call so you can easily answer questions about symptoms.</li>
 <li>Have your child's immunization records within reach.</li>
</ul>
Be prepared
Now that you have a baby in the house, it might be wise for you and other family members to take infant CPR and first aid courses. Check with the <a href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=redcross" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a> about classes.
Reviewed 6/21/2023

When your baby needs a doctor

All babies get sick from time to time. But which situations require a doctor's help? These tips might help you decide when to pick up the phone.