Just about all new parents have concerns over when to handle situations at home and when to call a doctor. If you are a new parent, much of what you learn will be from family and friend advice but you will also learn things through trial and error. However, the most important aspect of parenting is to make sure your child is healthy.
If you notice your baby not eating, vomiting, running a fever, or breaking out in a skin rash, and so on, it could be that he or she has an infection or illness. For this, the baby should definitely be seen by a doctor. Since an ear infection is relatively common, it could be the baby is in pain whereby antibiotics and pain reliever would be needed to help.
If your baby is three months of age or younger and suddenly begins to cry excessively, it could be the onset of colic or something simple such as the baby being hungry, too hot or cold, tired, uncomfortable from restrictive clothing, etc. Obviously, you can make the appropriate adjustment in this case to resolve the problem. However, if the baby continues to cry and colic is suspected, then a visit to the doctor is warranted.
Babies commonly run fevers when fighting off infection or illness but for a small baby, a fever of more than 100.4 (rectally) means a trip to the doctor. In addition, while a higher fever could be the sign of something going on, a low fever could too. Therefore, if your child has a rectal temperature of less than 96.8, seek medical assistance.
For a baby older than three months, you would look for the same things and then some. For instance, pay attention to the way in which your child acts. If you notice that he or she is weak, fatigued, or not moving about as normal, it could be something such as an infection or a serious problem to include meningitis.
Of course, if your baby were to fall out of the crib, tumble off the changing table, hit his/her head, you should go to the doctor. Even if your child seems normal, injury could be causing problems unseen. Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea, swollen soft spot on the head, and stomach bloating would also be viable reasons for seeing a doctor. Just remember, if you ever have questions or concerns, do not wait to have your child seen by a healthcare professional.
As you become more and more comfortable in being a parent, you will be able to sense or identify when something is not wrong but there is no such thing as a “stupid question” so use the services of the doctor anytime you feel it appropriate.