When my baby was just a few months old, one night she woke up shaking, boiling hot, and all red. Suddenly, she started vomiting and crying out loud. I quickly undressed her because I realized she had a high fever, and that’s the first thing to do to try to lower her body temperature. Then I took her out on the balcony because it was cold. She was still crying, so I tried to distract her by showing her the moon and the stars, all while keeping calm. Babies sense your panic and react to it because the situation is new for them, and they don’t know how to handle it. We called 911, but now I know what to do before rushing to the hospital. I will give her something for the fever—if she throws it up, I now have suppositories. If she continues to throw up, I can give her Zofran, which was prescribed at the hospital. That’s my approach now: trying something at home first before spending the whole night at the ER. However, for peace of mind, you can always go to the ER. Luckily, our pediatrician has emergency slots during weekdays, which I use a lot, especially for unexpected high fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common Sicknesses in Babies
These are the common sicknesses my baby had to deal with. Luckily, nothing more serious than this. For anything more serious, see a doctor right away.
1. Cold and Flu
Symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose, Coughing, Sneezing, Mild fever, Irritability, Decreased appetite
Treatment:
- 🤒 Nasal congestion: Babies don’t breathe through their mouths, so you need to clean their nose! Use a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe to gently suction out mucus. Saline drops can help loosen mucus before suctioning. A humidifier in the baby’s room can also help keep nasal passages moist.
- Hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual.
- Rest: Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest to help their body fight off the infection.
Note: Over-the-counter cold medications, except for specific infant medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen), are not recommended for babies. Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication​ (BabyCenter)​​ (Web-Pampers-US-EN)​​ (nhs.uk)​.
3. Spitting Up
Spitting up is common in babies and usually isn’t a cause for concern unless your baby is losing weight or showing signs of discomfort.
Symptoms:
- Frequent spitting up after feedings, Wet burps
Treatment:
- Frequent, Smaller Feedings: Feed your baby smaller amounts more frequently.
- Burping: Burp your baby frequently during and after feedings.
- Upright Position: Keep your baby in an upright position for 20-30 minutes after feeding.
When to Worry:
- If your baby is not gaining weight
- If your baby is projectile vomiting or appears to be in pain
4. Vomiting
Symptoms:
- Forceful vomiting
- Dehydration signs (less wet diapers, dry mouth, lethargy)
Treatment:
- Hydration: Ensure your baby stays hydrated. Offer small amounts of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if recommended by your pediatrician.
- Feeding: Resume feeding with breast milk or formula after a short break to settle the stomach.
When to See a Doctor:
- If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours
- If there are signs of dehydration
- If your baby has a high fever
5. Fever
Symptoms:
- Elevated body temperature (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Fussiness and Decreased appetite
Treatment:
- Medications: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to reduce fever. Ensure the correct dosage according to your baby’s weight and age. See the guide here on how much Motrin and Tylenol to administer. Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication.
- Hydration: Keep your baby well-hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water if they are over 6 months old.
- Comfort: Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
When to See a Doctor:
- If the fever lasts more than 2-3 days
- If your baby is under 3 months old with a fever
- If your baby appears very ill, lethargic, or has difficulty breathing
Fever Temperature Guide:
| Method | Fever Temperature |
|---|---|
| Forehead | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
| Armpit | 99.0°F (37.2°C) or higher |
| Rectal | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
6. Diarrhea
Symptoms:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Possible fever or irritability
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, lethargy)
Treatment:
- Hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding and consider oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if recommended by your pediatrician.
- Diet: Continue regular feedings. If your baby is on solids, avoid high-sugar foods and juices.
When to See a Doctor:
- If diarrhea persists for more than a few days
- If there are signs of dehydration
- If your baby has a high fever or appears very ill
Signs of Dehydration
- Signs of dehydration in babies is a sunken fontanelle, which is the soft spot on the top of a baby’s head. This can occur along with other symptoms such as dry mouth, fewer wet diapers (usually fewer than 5-6), lethargy, and crying without tears. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to contact your pediatrician immediately to ensure your baby receives the necessary care and hydration​ (BabyCenter)​​ (Web-Pampers-US-EN)​.
Conclusion
Caring for a sick baby requires patience and careful observation. Always consult your pediatrician if you are unsure about symptoms or treatment. Keeping your baby comfortable, hydrated, and well-rested can help them recover quickly from common illnesses.
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