When Should I Take My Child To the Doctor?

This is a very common question, especially for new parents. Here’s some more questions that may vex you. When is a cough is more than just a cough? How high of a fever does my child need to have before I get worried? My child is throwing up. Should I bring him in?

Here’s a no nonsense guide to signs that you need to bring your child in:

FEVER

Above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for children under three months
Above 101 degrees Fahrenheit for children 3 to 6 months
Above 104 degrees Fahrenheit for children older than 6 months

VOMITING

Vomiting accompanied by a fever and diarrhea
Vomiting that lasts for several hours
Vomiting of blood

COUGHING

Coughing that lasts for more than 7 days
Coughing accompanied by a high fever
A cough that appears with other symptoms such as labored breathing (especially in infants).

OTHER SYMPTOMS

Newborn to Infant (birth to 1 year)

White patches in mouth
Difficulty breathing
Lethargic behavior
Vomiting accompanied with a fever and diarrhea
Refusal to eat
Vomiting that lasts for several hours
Crying for an extended length of time
Blood in stools
Bowell movements more than 8 times a day
A red inflamed belly button
Eyes that are pink or bloodshot with sticky discharge
Extreme irritability
Thick nasal discharge that is yellow, green or gray

Infant to Adolescent (1 year and up)

Chills that make the body shake everywhere
Loss of consciousness
Loss of balance
Severe stomach pain
Painful urination
Discharge from either the ear or the eye
Stiff neck
Seizures

Lastly, when in doubt, call the doctor. They may have you come in just to be sure, but it is much better to be safe, than sorry.