While new parents are overjoyed and filled with love for their new infant, they are also generally more nervous than experienced parents. They may worry about smaller things and wonder if they should take their baby to the doctor. Here are some signs you should make an appointment with your child's pediatrician.

When to Take Your Infant to the Doctor

1. Changes in Appetite and Behavior

Significant changes in an infant’s hunger levels can indicate sickness. If they refuse more than two feedings in succession or aren’t eating as much as usual, schedule an appointment to discuss it with the doctor. The same is true if they are overly tired, it’s difficult to arouse them from sleep, or they are extremely grumpy.

2. Signs of Dehydration and Fever

If their diaper isn’t as wet as usual or they’re not producing enough tears, they are likely dehydrated. If they are, the fontanel, the soft spot on top of the head, might also appear sunken in. It could even be due to a fever. A raised temperature should always be checked by the healthcare provider for infants younger than three months. Between three and six months old, take them in if their fever is over 102° F or if they have an elevated temperature below that which is accompanied by other signs of illness, like coughing.

3. Colds and Labored Breathing

Usually, due to a cold, a baby can experience respiratory issues which should be investigated. Flaring nostrils or wheezing sounds are telltale signs they’re fighting for their oxygen. However, other cold symptoms can take you to the doctor’s office as well. Take them in if the cold lasts for over 10 days or a cough for longer than a week. Ear pain, indicated by tugging or batting at the ear, could be a sign of an ear infection.

4. Rash

Since babies rely on their parents for everything and can drool a lot, it can be difficult to tell when a rash may be problematic. A rash accompanied by a fever, discharge, or blistering is a cause to visit the pediatrician.

5. Stool Issues and Vomiting

Projectile or excessive vomit, constipation, and diarrhea need to be diagnosed by a physician. Constipation is likely if they seem to struggle or have fewer bowel movements than usual. Whereas diarrhea may appear as stool that is liquid or looser than normal.

If you’re looking for a doctor’s office that can accommodate the whole family, head to Arete Family Care in Anchorage, AK. From pediatrics to sports medicine, they even offer telemedicine appointments as an option. Visit them online to view their suite of services and call them at (907) 777-1850 to schedule the first visit during one of their convenient appointment times.