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FAQ's - MEDICAL
1. Will my child get shots at their next well check?2. What is a fever? What do I do? When do I call the doctor?
3. How should I treat vomiting and/or diarrhea?
4. When should I call the doctor?
5. When can I take my newborn out for the first time?
6. What can I do for teething?
7. How do I know if my baby has an ear infection or is just teething?
8. How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
9. What do I do if my baby is congested or has a cold?
10. What type of sun block can I use and at what age?
11. How do I treat head lice?
12. Should I give Tylenol before our visit?
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1. Will my child get shots at their next well check?
As long your child is up to date on their immunizations this is the immunization schedule.Back to Top
2. What is a fever? What do I do? When do I call the doctor?
Fever is a temperature over 101 F. A fever too high may cause restlessness, vomiting, or a loss of appetite. Most fevers are associated with viral illnesses and usually range from 101-104 and can last for 2-3 days.- Treat the fever by:
- Providing plenty of liquids to drink. Popsicles and iced drinks are helpful.
- Dressing the child lightly and remove excess blankets.
- Ensuring the child rests.
- Treat with Tylenol or Ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable. Advil or Motrin can be used ONLY if your child is greater than 6 months of age. Repeated doses will be necessary because the fever will go up and down until the illness runs its course.
- DO NOT USE ASPIRIN!!!
- Call our office if:
- Rectal temperature over 100.4 F if infant is under 2 months of age.
- Rectal temperature 103 F or more if child under 2 years of age.
- Fever persisted over 3 days (temp underarm of 100.4 or more)
- Child has rapid or difficult breathing.
- Child cannot be comforted, is unusually quiet, or extremely irritable.
- Fluid intake is not enough to allow urine output at least once every 6-8 hours.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, cracked lips, decrease in urine output (no wet diapers in 4-6 hours in a child less than 2 years of age, or no urination for 8-12 hours in a child greater than 2 years)
- Complaints of ear pain, pulling or tugging on the ears, visible drainage from ears.
- Obvious trauma or injury.
3. How Should I Treat Vomiting and/or Diarrhea?
Vomiting and diarrhea handoutBack to Top
4. When Should I call the doctor?
Emergency vs. Minor IllnessBack to Top
5. When can I take my newborn out for the first time?
To go outside is fine, a stroller ride around the block or to sit in the park. The weather will factor in how light to heavy to dress your infant (as you dress yourself). To go into crowds is not a good idea, especially if the baby is passed around from person to person. If you need to go into a crowd, you hold the baby, allowing others to look at your newborn from a distance. It is quite OK to be "selfish" these first few weeks, especially if it is high flu season, etc. Ideally, it is good to wait on traveling until after the 2 month exam and immunizations (particularly air travel).Back to Top
6. What can I do for teething?
There are over the counter teething gels, and teething tablets (from health food stores). Be aware that over the counter teething gels must be used with care as they can decrease your child's natural gag response. You may also swab Benadryl liquid (for allergies) to the gums that are swollen every 4-6 hours. For severe cases you may try Tylenol at bedtime.Back to Top
7. How do I know if my baby has an ear infection or is just teething?
Only a visit to one of our doctors can tell you for sure. If your child is fussier than usual, wakes frequently crying (usually sleeps through the night), or has a fever you should schedule an appointment. Some children will dig their finger in the painful ear. In a toddler you may see your child falling a lot or trying hard to keep their balance. All of these point to an ear infection. It is very hard to distinguish between teething and ear pain without checking the ear. At the fist sign of ear pain call for any appointment.Back to Top
8. How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers a day and bowel movements with every breastfeeding.Back to Top
9. What do I do if my baby is congested or has a cold?
- If the baby is 2 months of age or less call your doctor.
- If there is no fever, and there is only clear drainage from the nose use saline and suction
- If there is a decrease in appetite, a change in sleep pattern, and the symptoms are accompanied by a fever, the child needs to be seen in the office.
- If the child is 2 years or older you can use over the counter medications as directed.
- Asthmatics should follow previously set action plan or call the doctor.
Back to Top
10. What type of sun block can I use and at what age?
PABA free 30 SPF is recommended every time your child is going to be in direct sunlight. Sun block should be applied 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapplied every 1-2 hours.Back to Top
11. How do I treat head lice?
Head liceBack to Top
12. Should I give Tylenol before our visit?
If your child has fever above 101 or is in pain, then go ahead and give Tylenol before the visit. If not, it is okay to wait. There is no need to give Tylenol before immunizations.Back to Top
