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By Jan Murray

Remember to trust your ‘gut’ instincts or otherwise known as ‘second brain’ when making the decision whether to take your baby to the doctor or not. There are often more infections and illnesses to catch at a public health centre, therefore think sensibly and practically before rushing your baby out to one. Giving your baby love with cuddles and extra feeds may be all that is required for recovery. A body is an amazing set of systems that when given the optimum opportunity, can heal itself of many things. Ensure rest, nutrition, touch and love.

Answering ‘yes’ to the questions below are indicators for professional assessment:

1. Is your baby refusing regular feeds and having less than six wet nappies a day?

2. Has your older baby refused food for several days and becoming listless?

3. Is your baby lethargic or unusually difficult to rouse?

4. Has your baby been inconsolably crying or screaming for hours and gaining no comfort from their usual settling measures?

5. Are there changes in your baby’s skin colour such as a yellowish or bluish tinge?

6. Is your baby’s temperature above 38 degrees Celsius and rising? Is their temperature associated with fitting or do you have a family history of febrile convulsions?

7. Has your baby developed a more liquid and frequent bowel motion that is causing nappy rash and abdominal pains?

8. Has you baby had major projectile vomiting after 3 consecutive feeds?

9. Does your baby cry after ‘pebble like’ bowel actions? Does the bowel action contain blood or mucous? Is it green, frothy and frequent?

10. Does your baby have a cold that interferes with breathing or feeding?

11. Does your baby have an unexplained raised rash on parts or all of their body?

12. Does your baby have a red discolouration of either eye with a creamy discharge?

13. Has your baby had a fall and is now crying in certain feeding or holding positions?

14. Has your baby sustained a burn or a wound that you are unsure about how to care for?

15. Do you have a ‘gut’ feeling that something is not right with your baby?

If your baby is lethargic or hysterical and displays any of these conditions above have them reviewed and assessed by a medical or health professional. Even if there is nothing serious found, obtaining peace of mind and knowledge can be enough to make a visit to the doctor worthwhile. Parenting is a lot about confidence, and gaining knowledge for when the next time something happens.

Would you like to learn more about your baby or toddlers behaviour. Read

'Being a Toddler' eBook and i am nearly 6 months old’ eBook

This article was brought to you by Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant who is an internationally renowned expert in her field. Jan encourages parents in the area of infant sleep, nutrition, activities and family balance. She publishes regular ezine and blog articles to provide free parenting tips, tools and resources to educate and support those caring for young babies and children. For more online resources visit http://www.settlepetal.com