Start here · 38 min read
Babies: symptoms, illnesses and dangers (0–24 months)
This guide helps you spot an emergency and care for your baby at home, but it does not replace your pediatrician. If something worries you, call. Today, save your pediatrician's number and Poison Control's number in your phone and on paper: 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24 hours, help in Spanish).
The essentials · if you only have a minute
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months: call the pediatrician right away or go to the ER, even if the baby looks fine.
- Never shake a baby. If you can't take the crying anymore, lay the baby on their back in the crib and step away for a few minutes.
- For sleep: alone, on the back, in a crib, with no pillows, blankets or toys.
- If your child swallowed something dangerous, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. If they swallowed a button battery or magnets, go to the ER now.
- If tap water is not safe, use ready-to-feed formula. Never water down formula.
In this chapter
1Look up a symptom1 min read2Warning signs1 min read3Baby not breathing: CPR2 min read4Choking2 min read5Fever2 min read6Breathing problems2 min read7Dehydration1 min read8Vomiting and diarrhea1 min read9Crying and colic2 min read10Seizures1 min read11Falls and head injuries1 min read12Burns1 min read13Poisoning and swallowed objects2 min read14Drowning1 min read15Safe sleep2 min read16Heat and hot cars2 min read17Cold and power outages2 min read18Allergies and anaphylaxis1 min read19Insect bites and stings1 min read20Rashes and diaper rash1 min read21Newborn jaundice1 min read22Colds and congestion1 min read23Ear pain and ear infections1 min read24Teething1 min read25Constipation1 min read26Feeding in an emergency1 min read27Using medicines safely1 min read28Baby emergency kit1 min read0/20
