When your baby is sick for the first time, it can be one of the scariest things that happens to you as a new parent. Parents wonder when they need to call the doctor. Should they call the pediatrician at the first sign of a runny nose, or wait until their child has not slept in days?

The first thing all new parents need to realize is that babies get sick, just like children of any age. A sick baby does not mean you are a bad parent. In fact, getting a small cold once in a while helps your baby’s developing immune system become stronger. How ever any cold or other sickness can turn into a difficult situation if not maintained under control.

When your baby sickens, try to maintain a normal feeding schedule. There is no problem with breast feeding your sick baby. In fact, breast feeding frequently might help your baby get better faster. If you baby is older and is no longer nursing, consider increasing her fluid intake, encouraging your baby to drink water and pure fruit juices.

It is much easier to spot an emergency situation with your child.  In such cases, you should contact your doctor and/or 911 immediately.  Emergency situations are best handled by professionals, so do not try to fix the situation yourself.  There is a possibility that you could make it worse.  Along with poisoning and uncontrollable bleeding, you should also call for emergency help if you child has seizures.  Remember, it is always better to be too cautious rather than not cautious enough.

Very often a fever is the initial sign you get when you baby is sick. If the fever is above 102 in a baby, you should call the doctor. A higher fever does not mean your baby is necessarily dangerously sick, but your baby’s doctor should know, so that he can advise you on treatment. Another indication that your baby needs to be seen is a sudden, drastic change in appetite. A good rule of thumb is if your baby skips two meals in a row, they need to go to the pediatrician. 

Assessing your baby’s mood is another way to determine if they are sick enough to go to the doctor. Of course, a sick baby is not going to be her normal joyful self, but if your baby becomes completely inconsolable, call the doctor. When a baby crys for more than three hours that is a good sign that there is something more serious that is wrong. 

Diarrhea that lasts for six or more diapers in a row is a sign of illness, and can lead to dehydration. The same goes for vomiting. It is important to know the difference between vomiting and spitting up. Most babies will spit up, and sometimes they spit up quite a lot of substance, but vomit will be forceful and projectile. As with diarrhea, excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration.

Pediatricians get paid a lot of money.  As a parent, a lot of this money has come from you.  Do not be afraid to call them if you feel that something is not right with your child.  As long as you are polite, they will understand your concern and they can simply tell you what your course of action should be based on your child’s symptoms.  It is never a good idea to “wait” just because you feel anxious or embarrassed. Your child’s life and well-being are much more important that the way you appear to others.

To discover additional information head on over to Morbid Obesity In Children and more information at Health Risks Among Obese Children also head on over to Obesity In Young Children