Judging The Severity Of Your Infant's Illness
During the first 2 years of life, most parents feel inexperienced in determining how sick their child is during a cold or other infection. That's normal. And, since infants can't talk, they can't help you much with their diagnosis. How sick your child looks or acts is much more relevant than the level of fever. Here are some behaviors that should make you worry:
- Your child hardly responds and can't be made to smile
- Your child cannot be fully awakened
- Your child cries when you touch him or move him
- Your child cries constantly for more than 2 hours
- The cry becomes a weak whimper or moan
- The cry becomes high pitched
- Your child cannot sleep for more than 30 minutes at a time
- Your child cannot be comforted for more than 30 minutes at a time
- Your child's fever is over 105 degrees
These are emergency symptoms. If you make any of these observations, call your healthcare provider now. It's all right to wake him up.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. FAAP
Last Review: 6/1/2008
Last Revised: 6/1/2000
Copyright 1994-2008 Barton Schmitt, M.D. Parent Advice Messages.
