How to tell if your baby is sick

Many babies get sick at one time or another. It’s a good idea to know a few warning signs of sickness. Just because your child has one or more of these signs doesn’t mean she has a severe illness. But contact your pediatrican’s office if your child has any of these warning signs that might indicate he’s sick:

• Temperature of 100.4°F or higher

• Vomiting—not just spitting up

• Refusal to take feedings

• No energy—lethargic

• Diarrhea, especially if there’s mucus, blood or an unusually bad smell

• Hard crying with no obvious cause

• Inability to see or hear normally

• Unusual rash

Fever

If your baby develops a fever—a temperature of 100.4°F or higher—call your pediatrician. Fever is a sign of infection somewhere in the body. The best way to measure your baby’s fever is to take a rectal temperature. Follow these steps to take a rectal temperature:

• Use a digital thermometer. Lubricate the bulb of the thermometer with a small amount of petroleum jelly.

• Place your baby on his tummy. With your thumb and index finger, spread the baby’s buttocks.

• With your other hand, insert the lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch into the anal opening. Hold the thermometer in place for about one minute, until you hear a beep.

• If the digital reading is over 100.4°F, your child may have a fever.

To lower your baby’s temperature, you can give him acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Call your pediatrician for important dosage instructions. If the fever is very high, call your pediatrician. A suggestion: you sponge your baby off with water that’s at room temperature (about 78º F). Or you can give him a bath in water of this temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. The water shouldn’t be too cold. Don’t use plain rubbing alcohol because it can chill your baby. Ice baths should not be used.

Colds

Your baby will probably have more colds than any other illness. Colds are caused by viruses and can be easily spread by not washing hands. Most go away by themselves. Usually, colds involve just a runny or stopped-up nose or a mild cough and can be handled at home. If your baby has vomiting or a high fever, please your pediatrician.

During the first month or two of life, most babies have some nasal mucus that can cause sneezing and noisy breathing. To help your baby feel better and breathe easier, try clearing his nose with the nasal bulb you were given at the hospital.

You can also try a cool mist vaporizer in your baby’s room. Call if he develops a fever, persistent coughing, refuses feedings, or is irritable or unusually sleepy.