There are many normal things that babies do, but you also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of serious illness and know when to seek medical care.
Fever
Fever is a body temperature 100.4°F or above. In infants, the temperature must be taken rectally. Any fever in a baby less than two months old must be evaluated by a doctor. Fever itself will not harm your child, but the cause of the fever may, and it must be determined.
Fever and pain medication
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used in infants. However, you should not use any fever or pain medicine in babies less than 6-8 weeks old without first talking to your baby’s doctor. It can mask other symptoms or the presence of fever.
Taking your baby’s temperature
Rectal temperatures are the only reliable method in infants. You can use a traditional or digital rectal thermometer. Place a small amount of petroleum jelly on the tip and insert the thermometer into the rectum just until the metal tip disappears. Wait 2-3 minutes or until the digital thermometer signals that it is finished. A normal temperature is between 97 and 100.3°F.
How to tell if your baby is sick
In general, sick babies really look and act ill, and well children do not. If your baby is alert, responsive, drinking well, and not extremely fussy or irritable, then she is probably not seriously ill. If you have any doubt, seek medical attention.
Your baby should be seen immediately if she:
- Is irritable and cries whenever you touch her or pick her up.
- Is inconsolable for a lengthy period of time
- Looks distant, sick, or poorly responds
- Has labored breathing, difficulty breathing or grunts repeatedly, or periods where she stops breathing
- Has coughing or choking spells, and/or turns blue
- Has to stop feeding to catch her breath
- Is pale and has a cold sweat
- Has a fever (rectal temperature 100.4 or higher) and is less than 2 months old, or is older than 2 months and has a fever with a rash
- Has repeated jerking motions, strange posture, odd eye movements or has a seizure
- Vomits green material
Should be seen as soon as possible if she has:
- A rectal temperature 100.4 or higher and is older than 2 months old
- Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Coughing
- Runny nose and/or nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days
- A diaper rash that is not improving after a few days of treatment, or has a rash with pimples or pustules or that is weeping
