One of the hardest jobs a parent has is learning
to tell if their baby is sick or just having a bad day. Illness
can be detected in many ways. Even before a baby is old enough
to talk, you can sense that something is not right. A parent is
the most knowledgeable person about their child’s daily moods
and activities. The feeling that something is not right is a very
important sign, but there are some other signs you can consider.
Fever: A temperature of 100.5F rectally
(99.5 axillary) is not normal. Your body changes during the day
and may have a different temperature every time you take it, but
you do not want your baby to be too warm, or too cool. If your
baby has a temperature below 98.6 degrees rectally (97.6 degrees
axillary) he/she is too cold and needs to be warmed.
Crying: All babies cry, some more than
others, but excessive crying can indicate something is wrong.
If you have tried to comfort your baby for several hours and nothing
seems to work, your baby may be crying because of illness.
Trouble Breathing: Sneezing in a baby
is normal. If your baby is wheezing, very stuffy, or seems to
have trouble breathing, there may be a respiratory problem.
Diarrhea: An increase in the number
of stools and a change in how they look is diarrhea. A baby with
diarrhea also looks sick. Stools that are green, have mucous or
blood in them, have become watery, explode out of the baby, or
have an unusual odor, are not normal.
Vomiting: Most babies spit up an occasional
mouthful of milk after they have eaten. True vomiting is when
everything in the baby’s stomach is spit up with force. If
your baby is vomiting frequently, or if it looks green or bloody
you should call your baby’s health care provider.
Change in Eating Habits: Just like
adults, a baby will eat more sometimes than others. A baby who
refuses to eat, or one who seems to suddenly want to eat all the
time, may be telling you he/she doesn’t feel well.
Activity: A baby who becomes frantic
or irritable is demonstrating a sign of pain or infection. Babies
who start sleeping more than usual, or don’t seem to have
much energy, may be ill.
Dehydration: When a baby has diarrhea,
vomiting, loss of appetite, and becomes very sleepy, he or she
may be seriously ill. These babies may have sunken eyes, dry mouth,
and not be voiding. Call your health care provider right away.
Movement: If your baby is not moving
an arm or leg, there may have been an injury.
Although babies do get ill from time to time,
there are a few precautions parents can do to help prevent illness.
Wash your hands frequently when handling
your baby.
Screen young children and visitors for
previous illness, and avoid large crowds for a short time after
discharge.
Dress your baby warmly, but comfortably.
If you are comfortable in a sweater, put your baby in one also,
or wrap him/her in a blanket.
Do not smoke! Avoid taking your baby to
places where smokers visit.
Wood heat is drying and smoke inhalation
is dangerous. Avoid drafts, and evaluate air conditioning temperatures
to prevent chilling.
Talk to your baby. Take advantage of alert
times and enjoy each other.
Take your baby to your health care provider
for well baby checks and immunize your baby on schedule.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
