Warning signs

Call 911

Babies get sick fast and can't tell you how they feel. Trust your instincts: if your baby looks very sick, get help, even without a fever.

What to do

1. If there is a 911 sign, call 911 now. Put the phone on speaker.
2. If the baby is not breathing, start CPR (see 'Baby not breathing: CPR').
3. If it's not a 911 situation, call the pediatrician. After hours, use their nurse line or go to the ER.
4. Write down when symptoms started, the temperature, when the baby last fed and last had a wet diaper.
5. Bring any medicines you gave and the vaccination record.

What not to do

• Don't 'wait and see' when there are warning signs.
• Don't give food or drink if the baby is very sleepy or struggling to breathe.
• Don't drive to the hospital yourself if the baby is not breathing or is having a seizure: call 911.