How to determine if your baby is sick

New parents are sometimes faced with a less than desirable situation: a screaming baby. Sometimes a simple solution,such as a diaper change or a pacifier, is all that's needed. In other cases, the baby is sick and may or may not need medical attention. There are a few things that can be observed to help the parent make a judgment call as to whether the baby's condition warrants a trip to the doctor's office or can be treated at home.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Paper and pencil
• Electrolyte drinks
• Tablespoon measure
• Clear liquids

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Instructions

• 1

  Upon first suspicion of a sick baby, check the baby's temperature using a rectal thermometer. This will give you the most accurate reading, though other thermometers can be used under the arm pit or in the mouth. If the baby has a rectal temperature above 100.4 Farenheit or an oral temperature above 99.0 Farenheit, call the doctor. Using a paper and pencil, create a log. You will use this to record pertinent information that your doctor will need, such as the baby's temperature, number of soiled diapers, and the number of times the baby has vomited, if any.

• 2

  Monitor the number of wet or dirty diapers. Record this information on the self made log. Be sure to note if the baby had diarrhea and the number of times he or she defecated.

• 3

  Sick babies do vomit. This should also be recorded on the log. Should diarrhea and vomiting continue, give the baby's tummy about an hour or two to rest. Then administer a tablespoon of an electrolyte drink every hour for a few hours to restore the electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. If the baby handles this well, gradually increase the amount of clear liquids given to him or her.

• 4

  Check the baby's entire body for rashes. This can be an indication of a more serious sickness which needs medical attention. Be sure to monitor the rash. If it begins to spread, call the doctor immediately for further instructions. If there are other children in the house, keep them away from the baby if at all possible to prevent the possible spread of the rash.