If you've got a baby, you'd best get used to the trip to your doctor’s surgery. Chances are you're going to be doing it rather a lot over the next few years!
One reason for this is that your baby's immune system is still maturing. So she's more prone to minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and tummy upsets than older children and adults. Young babies can also suddenly get worse when they are ill – another good reason to get your baby seen promptly if she's poorly. So err on the side of caution. Even if think your baby is just "not right" it's best to get her checked by a doctor. But the good news is that while babies get ill quickly, they also recover quickly once they get the right treatment.
If your baby is so ill that you think she needs urgent medical help don't hesitate to call ambulance. You'll be asked which emergency service you need and will then be put through to an ambulance controller.
If your baby has a condition or injury that is not life-threatening, but needs immediate treatment, it's best to take her straight to accident and emergency (A&E).
Go to A&E if your baby:
One reason for this is that your baby's immune system is still maturing. So she's more prone to minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and tummy upsets than older children and adults. Young babies can also suddenly get worse when they are ill – another good reason to get your baby seen promptly if she's poorly. So err on the side of caution. Even if think your baby is just "not right" it's best to get her checked by a doctor. But the good news is that while babies get ill quickly, they also recover quickly once they get the right treatment.
When should we see the doctor?
Some health problems need to be checked out straight away by your doctor, while others can be left for a few hours or so.
See a doctor as soon as you can if your baby has:
See a doctor as soon as you can if your baby has:
- Diarrhoea for more than 12 hours.
- Repeated vomiting, or vomiting for 12 hours or more. Or if she has other symptoms with it, such as diarrhoea, fever or a rash.
- A fever. Take your baby to the doctor if she has a fever of 38 degrees C or higher and she’s under three months, or 39 degrees C or higher and she’s three months or older.
- Gets an object lodged in her nose, ear, mouth or vagina – never try to remove objects yourself.
- Gets a burn larger than a 50p piece, particularly if the skin is blistering (this includes sunburn).
- Persistent crying. As a parent you know your baby's pattern of crying better than anyone. If she is crying more than usual, or if her cry sounds high-pitched, or she is whimpering or moaning, see you doctor.
- Blood-streaked vomit or poo. Often this isn’t due to anything serious, but it still needs checking with your doctor straight away.
- An unexplained rash, particularly if it's accompanied by a fever.
- A barking cough with a loud, high-pitched rasping sound when she breathes in. This may be croup. Croup is quite rare now thanks to the Hib vaccination, but this needs to be checked by your doctor.
- She has not wanted to drink for more than eight hours. Or she’s had less than half of her usual amount to drink over the past 24 hours. This includes breast or bottle feeds for young babies.
- Sunken fontanelles (the soft spots on your baby’s head), along with other symptoms, including dry lips, dark yellow urine and fewer wet nappies than usual. These can be signs of dehydration.
- Your baby has been unusually irritable and moody for no apparent reason in the past 24 hours.
- Your baby has pink, watery or sticky eyes. This could be a sign of an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis. This can be very infectious and needs treating promptly.
- There has been discharge from her ears, eyes, navel or genitals over the past 24 hours. (DH 2009, NHS 2009a, NHS 2009b, NHS 2009c, NHS 2009d, NHS 2010)
When is my baby's illness an emergency?
If your baby is so ill that you think she needs urgent medical help don't hesitate to call ambulance. You'll be asked which emergency service you need and will then be put through to an ambulance controller.
He will send an ambulance immediately and stay on the line. He will also help you to assess your baby's condition and give her emergency first aid until the ambulance arrives.
Call ambulance if your baby:
- Shows one or more possible signs of meningitis. These include: a fever with cold hands and feet, swollen fontanelles, unusual crying or moaning, drowsiness, floppiness, dislike of bright lights, grunting or rapid breathing, pale blotchy skin or a purple-red rash that doesn't disappear when you press a glass against it.
- Is unconscious or semi-conscious.
- Is having trouble breathing or is breathing abnormally quickly, particularly if her skin and lips start to take on a bluish tinge. This means she isn't getting enough oxygen.
- Has a convulsion (seizure or fit) for the first time or one that lasts for more than a minute. Her eyes will roll back in her head, she will be unresponsive and her limbs will twitch. Convulsions are usually caused by a fever, but not always.
- Becomes unwell after swallowing something poisonous or harmful, such as medicine meant for adults. Remember to take the packet or bottle to the hospital with you. (NHS 2009a, NHS 2009c, NHS 2010, NICE 2007)
If your baby has a condition or injury that is not life-threatening, but needs immediate treatment, it's best to take her straight to accident and emergency (A&E).
Go to A&E if your baby:
- Has a cut that keeps bleeding or one that is deep and may need stitching. Until you get to A&E, do your best to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the cut with a clean cloth. Also try to keep the affected part raised to reduce the flow of blood to the wound.
- Has a serious fall, and you suspect she may have a broken bone or sprain.
- Gets a serious bump to the head.
- Swallows or eats anything which may be poisonous or harmful, but seems well. (DH 2009, NHS 2009b)
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