When to Call the Nurse
First-time parents tend to worry about their baby more than veteran parents do, mainly because every new noise or cry makes them worry about illness. But it's important to remember that baby operates much like you do. There can be occasional bouts of diarrhea, some gas or tooth pain, and even crying for no real reason. Your baby might even have a constipated moment or two. None of these problems is necessarily an indication of serious illness, so you need not worry if they happen occasionally or seem short lived.
Fortunately, most pediatricians' offices have nurses on staff to field calls from worried parents. A pediatric nurse can quickly discern between acute and serious conditions, and will immediately refer the more serious cases to the pediatrician. Here are some times when a call to the nurse at your pediatrician's office is absolutely necessary:
When baby's temperature is higher than 101 degrees (rectally), or above 100.4 degrees if the infant is less than three months old.
When baby sleeps long or doesn't wake easily.
When baby is unusually fussy or irritable.
When baby refuses to feed well or eats only a small amount before crying in a high-pitched manner.
When baby isn't wetting at least one diaper every four hours or so (for a grand total of six to eight per day).
When baby vomits excessively at more than two consecutive feedings, or vomits green bile (if this occurs, call doctor immediately).
When baby has labored, distressed, or rapid breathing.
If baby's color tone changes (look for blueness in the lips or fingernails or yellowish skin or eyes).
If the baby exhibits any of these symptoms and is under two months of age, you should treat it as an emergency situation and call the nurse at your doctor's office for proper guidance. A pediatric nurse call may also be warranted (during regular office hours) for minor irritations, such as a rash that doesn't ease with cream or air-drying; constipation, diarrhea, or a cold; or a minor injury.
