If you’ve just had a baby, you know the joys of being a new parent. You love holding and loving your baby, listening to his little baby sounds and seeing that first smile. But what happens when everything isn’t going along so smoothly? Along with all the happy times that make you glad you are a parent, you’re going to have those times when you’re unsure of yourself and not exactly sure what to do with your baby. Having a sick baby is one of those times. Your baby doesn’t seem to be acting quite right – is he sick or just having an off day? Is it something that will pass or do you need to make a trip to the doctor? Here is a checklist of symptoms that will help take the guess work out of deciding when to take your baby to the doctor.

• Dehydration – Your baby should be having about six to eight wet diapers per day. If he suddenly seems to have stopped wetting, he could be dehydrated. Other symptoms of dehydration include crying without producing tears, cool, clammy skin, and being noticeably less active.

• Activity Level – Poor activity level is another indication that your baby may be sick. If your baby is suddenly lethargic, has difficulty eating or swallowing, and has a weak cry, you need to call the doctor.

• Breathing – If your baby is breathing rapidly and has been doing so for at least 60 minutes, you need to call the doctor. Look at your baby’s lips and tongue. If they have a bluish color, this shows that he isn’t getting enough oxygen and you should go to the emergency room.

• Jaundice – This condition usually appears right after birth. It is a sign that your baby’s liver isn’t functioning like it should be. Sometimes jaundice doesn’t show up until after you’ve taken your baby home. If his skin appears noticeably yellow, call your doctor to let him know.

• Vomiting – It is normal for all babies to spit up curdled milk, but if your baby is vomiting forcefully and it has a greenish, yellow, or brown color to it, this is a sign that your baby is sick.

• Fever – A fever taken rectally that is over 100.5 is high for a small baby and you should call your doctor.

• Ear Pulling – If your baby has a fever, is irritable, and is pulling or tugging at his ear, he probably has an ear infection. Ear infections are common in babies and aren’t an emergency, but you still need to make an appointment to see the pediatrician to get an antibiotic for him. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing problems.

• Constipation – Different babies have different bowel movement schedules. Some have messy diapers every day, some every few days. If you notice that your baby isn’t having bowel movements like normal or he seems to be struggling to have a bowel movement then he is probably constipated and will need a suppository to help him go.

• Rashes – An unexplained rash that is accompanied by a fever needs to be checked out by your doctor. It is usually not serious, but the cause of rash needs to be found and treated.

By using the list above, you will have a good idea when you need to take your baby to the doctor, when it is nothing to be alarmed about and when you should seek medical help immediately. Keep the list handy and refer to it when you have questions, but the best way to know if your baby is sick is to go by your "gut" feeling. Mothers know their babies better than anyone and can usually tell what they need by each cry. If you feel that something is wrong, get it checked out.

Jason Ladock

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