Signs of illness in a baby may be subtle, and if you do not understand what to look for, your baby could become sicker than she needs to. For example, a fever can indicate an underlying illness and should be checked by a doctor to determine if the cause is something minor or if it is significant. Contact your doctor if your child has a fever greater than 102 that does not respond to acetaminophen, according to the Mayo Clinic, or if your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature over 100.4.
Behavior
A baby who is sick may have changes in her overall behavior and appetite. Call your doctor if the child refuses to eat for several feedings in a row. Sick babies forgo their usual routine of eating and activity because they are using their energy to fight an illness. Call your doctor if your baby is extremely irritable or crying inconsolably. A baby who becomes listless, fatigued and lethargic should also be seen by a physician for an evaluation.
Gastrointestinal
Babies often have mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but persistent signs that do not respond to rest and fluids after a day or two warrant a call to the doctor. Examples include persistent vomiting after several feedings; diarrhea for one to two days; few or no bowel movements for one to two days; or no wet diapers within six to eight hours. Call the doctor right away if your baby is younger than 3 months and is vomiting after feedings, has diarrhea, or has fewer than four wet diapers in a 24-hour period.
Infection
Illnesses can affect the head and chest, resulting in cold symptoms and other signs of infection. Call a doctor if your baby has a persistent cough, bleeding from the nose or yellow eye drainage. These may indicate trauma or infection. Babies who have ear infections are often fussy, eat poorly, may have a fever and may pull at their ears. Call a doctor if your child has these symptoms as they may indicate the need for medication.
Emergency
Some situations are urgent and require immediate treatment. The March of Dimes Foundation cites several conditions that fall into this category. A baby who is breathing rapidly, using muscles in the abdomen or neck to breathe or has blue skin around the lips should be seen by a physician immediately. Other urgent situations include seizures, swallowing poison or other harmful substances, blood in the stool or vomit, an injury to the head, or an injury that is bleeding uncontrollably.
Considerations
When calling your doctor's office about your sick baby, have pertinent information ready. Be able to tell the nurse the baby's symptoms and how long she has experienced them. Check the baby's temperature before calling. If your baby has any significant medical history, give this information as well. Tell the nurse if you have tried to give the baby any medications or have tried home remedies to treat the situation.
