When to Call the Doctor

If your little one is feeling ill and you’re not completely sure what to do, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Sometimes it helps to get a second opinion to reassure your knowledge and instincts as a parent.

Here’s how to know if it’s time to call your child’s doctor:

For most kids, call your pediatrician if:

Your child is unusually fussy, sleepy, cranky, or quiet
Your child appears very sick
You are unable to lower your child's fever or your child develops other serious symptoms

The fever goes away for more than 24 hours and then returns
Your child has a fever for more than 72 hours
Your child is younger than 3 months with a rectal temperature above 100.1° F
Your child is 3 to 6 months with a rectal temperature above 101° F
Your child is 6 to 12 months with a rectal temperature above 103° F
Your child has a history of febrile seizures

Or if you notice any of these symptoms:

A stiff neck (unable to touch chin to chest)
Trouble breathing

Ear or sore throat pain
Your child has a seizure (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
Your child has a skin rash
Your child cries inconsolably
Your child is difficult to awaken

If you do call your child’s doctor, make sure to let them know which type (Infants', Children's, etc.) and strength of medicine you're giving to your child, if any. Also inform them if your child has any underlying risk factors that could cause further complications.

Childrens' TYLENOL® Oral Suspension

A fever reducer and pain reliever in kid-friendly flavors.

Products

Kids' Wellness Tracker.

Our free app tracks symptoms and stats, putting your child’s health information at your fingertips.

Children + Infants