10 Reasons To See The Pediatrician For Your Baby Or Toddler

Having an unwell baby or toddler can be scary. Is it just a minor illness like a cold or is it something more serious? You don't want to delay seeing the doctor if your child needs medical attention but you don't want to be over-worrying.
The list below gives signs and symptoms that absolutely need medical attention. If your baby or toddler has any of these, see your pediatrician or emergency room.

1. Your baby or toddler looks blue around the lips - sometimes it's more a dusky color than blue. This needs immediate attention.


2. Your baby or toddler is drowsy and "not with it" when he or she is awake. This includes if your baby or toddler is completely unresponsive. This needs immediate attention. I don't mean deep sleep or just waking from sleep, however.


3. Your baby or toddler feels cold to touch and when you press on the breast-bone (sternum) for 5 seconds until the skin goes pale and then release, the color does not return within 3 seconds. This needs immediate attention.


4. Your baby or toddler is struggling to breathe. You may notice the ribs sticking out with each breath. You need to seek help if this doesn't improve or settle over an hour or so.


5. Your baby or toddler is vomiting bright green bile. This suggests a blockage in the gut. This needs urgent attention.


6. Your baby or toddler passes a red-currant jelly stool, especially if there have been episodes of crying beforehand. This could be intussusception. This needs urgent attention.


7. Your baby or toddler has a fever for 5 days or more and is unwell and generally miserable with it - a doctor needs to review your child for signs of Kawasaki disease. Seek help within 24 hours.


8. Your baby or toddler is no longer performing tasks that he or she previously learned. For example, your baby can no longer sit or stand when he or she had been doing this previously. I don't mean on a day to day basis, but a trend over time that your child seems to be regressing in his or her development rather than progressing.
   


9. Your baby or toddler is losing weight. I don't mean a small decrease on one occasion, but a general trend over time where your baby or toddler is not gaining weight or is actually losing weight.


10. You are concerned that your baby or toddler is sick - you are the best judge as you know your child. If you are very worried, it is best to seek medical advice.

These are worrying signs and symptoms. If your baby or child has any of them, you need to have a medical review - some need more urgent review than others and that is indicated above.Your child may have other signs that concern you and, of course, if that's the case, seek medical attention.