Translated by Denise Schwab.

When your baby gets sick, there is no reason to panic. Learn the moment you should seek medical help and when to seek emergency care for your baby.

Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but infections and fevers are inevitable. Even experienced parents have many questions to distinguish a disorder of a more serious problem, and it is at this point that a doctor or an emergency service should be sought.

Looking for a medical advice for your baby?

An occasional sickness usually brings no greater concerns about the health of your child, but sometimes it is better to see your doctor. Look for these signs and symptoms:

Changes in appetite: if your baby refuses to eat continuously or eats very little.

Mood changes: if the baby becomes lethargic, or with an unusual difficulty to wake up, seek medical attention immediately. Tell the doctor whether the child is persistently irritable or a cry that never ends.

Changes in the navel or penis: if the navel or penis of the baby suddenly turns red, or begins to leave any secretions or blood.

Fever: moderate fevers are common and usually harmless, but keep an eye on the thermometer. If your baby is less than 3 months old, always seek medical advice. If your baby has more than 3 months old and has a body temperature below 38.9 ° C, it is important to rest and offers plenty of fluids to your baby. Call the doctor if your baby seems irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. If the fever is 38.9 ° C or more, give some medicine to reduce fever. Call the doctor if the fever does not respond to medication, or if it persists for more than a day.

Diarrhea: call your pediatrician if the baby's stools are liquid and frequent.

Vomiting: occasional regurgitation is normal. Call your doctor if your baby vomits everything he eats, including anti-vomiting medications. Babies and elderly are quickly absorbed in dehydration, a serious condition that must be treated immediately.

Dehydration: if the diaper is not wet for six hours or more, or if the "soft spot" seems to be depressed (or lowered), your baby may be dehydrated. Crying without tears or dry mouth without saliva are also signs of danger. Look for emergency immediately.

Constipation: the frequency with which the intestine reduces the child works.

Problems in the ear: if your baby does not respond normally to the sounds or submit draining secretions from the ears.

Red skin: if the child's skin be covered by areas (or plaques) red. If the skin appears infected, or suddenly develop hives, especially if accompanied by fever.

Colds: if the baby has a cold that interferes with the breathing, nasal congestion, runny nose yellow, green or brown, or accompanied by persistent cough.

Ocular discharge: if one or both eyes are pink, red or with a yellowish discharge.

If you are aware of the signs and symptoms described above and still have doubt, trust in your instincts. If you think about calling the doctor, make no mistake. Call him!

Searching for an emergency service?

Look if:

· Bleeding that does not stop

· Poisoning

· Respiratory distress

· Head injuries

· Epileptic

· Do not respond to stimuli

· Extensive burns or cuts

· Blood in the urine, stools or persistent diarrhea

· Severe pain that increases gradually or suddenly

· Skin or lips that look blue, purple or gray.

During the medical care, be ready to answer questions about:

· Symptoms of your baby

· All medical history

· Changes in diet or bowel habits

· Changes in body temperature

· Drug use and reactions

Identifying and responding to these questions will save time for your doctor accelerating responsiveness to your child, reducing stress and improving the effectiveness of emergency care.