Check In with Your Doctor Regularly
If you are at all concerned about any symptoms your child is displaying, then you should call your doctor immediately. If your baby is under three months old and has a fever or is showing signs of being unwell, you should always call your doctor. A temperature reading of 38.0°C (100.4°F)1 or higher would usually suggest that your baby has a fever, but readings can vary depending on the type of thermometer you use, and where you place the thermometer.
A fever is sometimes the symptom of a common illness such as a cold (infection of the upper respiratory tract). Colds will typically last for around one week (but can last for up to two weeks) and are not typically treated with medication. However, your doctor or pediatrician can recommend suitable over-the-counter medications that may be effective in reducing a fever.2 You will usually find that a little extra care, rest, and attention is all that your baby needs to make a full recovery within a few days. As a parent, you will probably be aware of some signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses, but you’ll no doubt have concerns, such as: How do I know if something requires further investigation? Your doctor will be able to support and guide you on what to do for your sick infant.
Keep Your Baby Comfortable
One of the hard parts of caring for your sick baby is that they can’t tell you how they’re feeling or what they need. There are some signs to indicate that your child may be unwell, though, of course, these can differ for every child. Your baby may be restless, cry more, or go off their feeds. Comfort can come in the form of keeping your baby close to you or putting them to sleep in a well-ventilated room to regulate their temperature. If your child has diarrhea, you’ll likely need to change their diapers more regularly. Use a barrier cream on their butt3 to try and ease any soreness that may have been caused by more frequent pooping.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
While a common sign of sickness may be a decrease in appetite, it’s still important to make sure that your baby is getting enough fluids. If your baby has diarrhea, or congestion from a cold has made drinking milk more difficult, they may be at risk of becoming dehydrated. Contact your doctor if you’re worried, as they will be able to guide you on how to increase your baby’s fluid intake. Signs of dehydration may include less pee in your baby’s diaper, or dry, pale lips.4 Offering your little one very regular feeds – even if this differs from their typical schedule – will help to ensure they are adequately hydrated.
Take Care of Yourself and Try to Stay Calm
While your baby’s well-being will almost certainly be the focus of your attention, it’s important that you look after yourself. Caring for a baby is exhausting enough – and when sickness is involved, parenting can be even more challenging. Sleepless or broken nights due to your baby’s restlessness, fewer naps in the day and general worry about whether you’re doing the right things will all impact how you feel.
Make sure to make time for yourself – even if it’s just having a nice bath before bed, or eating a nutritious meal cooked by your partner. Don’t forget to call on extra support from friends and family while your baby’s sick: ask them to pop to the store for some groceries, or to keep you company and help with some chores around the house. Every pair of extra hands will help to lighten the load!
Of course, if panic sets in because your child seems to be displaying any worrying symptoms, try to stay calm. Make a call to the emergency services and stay with your child until you’re guided on what to do next for your sick infant.
Look for Any Changes
Your doctor should be the first person you call if you’re at all in doubt about whether a sign or symptom of illness needs further investigation. If, after you’ve contacted your doctor, your child’s fever continues for several more days, make a follow-up call.
Monitoring your baby’s temperature will help you to understand how they’re doing. While there are many ways to use a digital thermometer – from putting it under your baby’s armpit, to inserting it into their rectum – ask for advice from your doctor or healthcare provider as to what is most suitable, and most accurate.
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- https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=710&language=English
- https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/over_the_counter_drugs
- Carr, Andrew N et al. “Diaper dermatitis prevalence and severity: Global perspective on the impact of caregiver behavior.” Pediatric dermatology vol. 37,1 (2020): 130-136. doi:10.1111/pde.14047
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Dehydration.aspx