When to Call the Doctor

By Kimberly Kennedy

As I lay in my hospital room with my newborn, every squeak and gurgle he made sent me peering over the edge of the bassinet to see what was the matter. New parents are tuned in to every noise, expression, or movement their precious new life makes. And the prevailing thought is, “What’s normal—what isn’t? When should I call the pediatrician?”

Dr. Chris Bolling, of Pediatric Associates, recommends the book Your Child’s Health, by Barton Schmitt, MD. It contains a tiered hierarchy, with sections like “Call immediately if…” and “Call during office hours if…” It is also a complete medical compendium, including prevention, treatment, and what to expect. 

A child is considered a newborn for the first four weeks. A sick newborn can deteriorate quickly, so seek medical attention if you observe a fever over 100°, excessive crying, poor appetite, difficulty waking or sleeping, or weakness.

For infants and toddlers, there are a number of variables, so no set rules. However, here are a few general guidelines:

Emergencies include: difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, non-stop seizures or bleeding, poisoning, broken bone, burn, animal or insect bite, lethargy, severe pain, blue lips, dehydration (no tears when crying and no urination for 8 hours), fever over 105°.

Call to schedule an appointment: if your child has had a fever for 3 days, is acting very sick, or cries for 3 hours non-stop. Treat a run-of-the-mill cold at home; physicians hesitate to give antibiotics if they suspect a virus because overuse leads to resistance.  Vomiting and diarrhea become a concern if they lead to dehydration. For congestion, home remedies work well, like saline nasal spray, vaporizer, and elevating the head of the mattress. 

Sometimes you and your spouse will disagree about whether to call; go with the concerned parent, because nothing will appease him or her like a doctor’s reassurance. 
And never be afraid to call your pediatrician during those early weeks. Trust me:  They would be more surprised if they didn’t hear from you!