first-time parents

Like many other first-time parents, I read every parenting book, often asked my mom and friends for advice and called the pediatrician frequently "just to make sure" everything was normal. By the time my second child was born, I packed away the parenting books, no longer had the time to consult friends and family on every facet of parenting and called the pediatrician only in the event of an emergency. Recently, my one-year old's strep throat infection made me realize that I needed to dust off those parenting books and reacquaint myself with the basics. So here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics in case you're like me and need a refresher course on "When to Call the Doctor."
When to Call the Doctor If your child has any of the following symptoms, call to find out if he or she needs to be seen right away:
l Vomiting and diarrhea that last more than a few hours in a child of any age. l Rash, especially if there is also a fever. Any cough or cold that does not get better in several days, or a cold that gets worse or has a fever. l Cut that might need stitches. l Limping or is not able to move an arm or leg. l Ear pain or drainage from an ear. l Sore throat or problems swallowing. l Sharp or persistent pains in the abdomen or stomach. l Any fever in a baby younger that 3 to 4 months of age. l Fever and vomiting at the same time. l Not eating for more than a day. Call your pediatrician immediately if your infant or child has bleeding that can't be stopped; poisoning; seizures; trouble breathing; high fever; head injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting
or poor skin color; blood in urine; bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that won't go away; or sudden lack
of energy or is not able to move. Always feel free to call your pediatrician. Call right away if you are worried about your child. Sometimes a parent feels there is a problem before symptoms actually show up. When you're not sure whether to call, trust your instincts.
When you do call, make the most of the phone. Report your child's temperature, remind the doctor about past medical problems, mention medications and keep immunization records at hand. If possible, have your child near the phone when you call your pediatrician. An older child may be able to tell you where or it hurts or you can easily answer questions about a rash or cut.
To call or not to call? If you're not sure your child needs to see a pediatrician, always call his or her office. The office staff can often tell you over the phone if your child needs to be seen or can give medical advice over the phone if an office visit is not needed.