thread: When should i take my baby to the Dr?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    Adelaide
    17

    When should i take my baby to the Dr?

    My DD is 6 months old and has had runny noses from child care on and off for 3 months. Except this time it isnt going away and a cough has started. I'm not sure but she could have a sore throat as when she has coughed for a few mins she starts crying a really sad cry. I am not a parent that runs to the Dr for every little thing that happens but obviously i dont want to seem to be neglecting my child. She is on the Brauer cough relief, little fess nose spray, nurofen (mainly for her teething) and the W&C teething paste. (certainly not all at the same time!) When do i take her to the Dr??? She is not sleeping very well but still has her appetite and is still cheerful and happy when awake!
    Please help. any advice would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Brisbane
    1,621

    Personally, I think "mummy instinct" is the best guide. If you think she may need a check over by a doctor, chances are she probably does (even if all it fixes is mummy's piece of mind, it's a trip worth taking!).

    By taking her to the GP on this occasion, I don't think you're in danger of "running to the doctor for every little thing". You know your daughter, and you're the best person to know if she's just not herself.

    Hope she feels better soon.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Aug 2008
    Ouiinslano
    5,303

    That childcare runny nose can last a looooooong time. we used to c all it "creche nose" Yeah, gross, but they all get it. Without seeing her, I couldn't say, but if you don't think it's normal, go to the Dr. It certainly won't make her any worse.

    Good luck!

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber
    Add Schmickers on Facebook

    Jan 2006
    Port Macquarie, NSW
    1,443

    If she's her normal happy self, then you can probably avooid a trip to the doctor.

    If she starts to go off her food, her sleeping gets worse, or she otherwise doesn't seem herself or you are worried, then get her checked out.

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jul 2008
    Eastern Surburbs, Melbourne
    1,841

    My Dr told me when the girls were tiny "if in doubt bring them in"
    He would rather see a child who was wellish than a child who was really ill and No I was not wasting his time.
    Go with your gut feeling as you know your child better than anyone

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    8,369

    Same here, Rivlas. The doctors like seeing healthy children - it's if they have to tell the parents that it's pnumonia that they don't like.

    Every time (bar one - the "bad" local GP) I've taken DS to a doctor they've told me I'm doing the right thing. And given us a prescription (bar once and we had to go back the next day DS was really not well).

    I do go to the doctor for anything I consider serious. His bad eczema. A bad chesty cough (antibiotics for chest infection both times). Bruising. Even had advice for "just colic" - I'm sure it wasn't because you don't scream non-stop for six hours only on one occasion for "colic". But anyway. Best to be safe than sorry.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    Adelaide
    17

    Thank you all for your thoughts. it's good to hear your opinions on the matter. i think if she hasnt improved by Monday i might book her in as a precaution, especially with all this darn swine flu talk. Thanks again