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continued:

Sick baby? When to seek medical attention

When to seek emergency care

Seek emergency care for:

  • Bleeding that can't be stopped
  • Poisoning
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing
  • Head injuries
  • A sudden lack of energy or inability to move
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Large cuts or burns
  • Blood in the urine, bloody diarrhea or persistent diarrhea
  • Increasing or severe persistent pain
  • Skin or lips that look blue, purple or gray

Prepare for emergencies by asking your baby's doctor during a scheduled checkup what to do and where to go if your baby needs emergency care. Learn basic first aid, including CPR, and keep emergency phone numbers handy.

Be ready to answer questions

Whether you contact your baby's doctor or seek emergency care, be prepared to help the medical staff understand what's happening with your baby. Expect questions about:

  • Your baby's symptoms. What prompted you to seek medical attention for your baby? What are your specific concerns?
  • Your baby's medical history. Does your baby have any known allergies? Are your baby's immunizations current? Does your baby have any chronic conditions? Be prepared to share details about your pregnancy and the baby's birth.
  • Changes in your baby's feeding and bowel movements. Have you noticed changes in your baby's eating or drinking patterns, in the number of wet diapers, or in the number and consistency of bowel movements?
  • Changes in your baby's temperature. Does your baby have a fever? What is your baby's temperature? How did you take your baby's temperature?
  • Home remedies and medications. Have you tried any home remedies or given your baby any over-the-counter or prescription medications? If so, what, how much and when?

Knowing the answers to these questions will save you and your baby's doctor time — and stress — during an office visit or emergency situation.

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References
  1. Parenting corner q & a: You and your pediatrician. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/pubed/zzzpmeidh4c.htm?&sub_cat=1. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  2. When to call the baby's doctor: Print-and-go guide. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/tools/preg_call_ped.pdf. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  3. When to call your baby's doctor. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/298_1449.asp. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  4. Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age 5. 4th ed. United States: Bantam; 2004:138.
  5. Mozingo TA. RSV: When it's more than just a cold. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/healthychildren/08winter/HC-winter08-rsv.pdf. Accessed Dec. 10, 2008.
  6. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 11, 2008.

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Feb. 5, 2009

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