When to Call the Pediatrician
As a new mom, knowing when to pick up the phone and call the pediatrician can feel overwhelming. Babies have a way of keeping us on our toes, and it’s natural to wonder, “Is this normal… or should I call?”
To help ease the guesswork, we’ve put together a gentle guide for recognizing those moments when your little one might need a doctor’s attention.
Here are a few red flags that mean it’s time to call your pediatrician:
Fever
A rectal temperature over 100.4°F OR under 96.8°F.
If your baby is under 6 weeks old, call as soon as possible. Most babies with temperatures at this age will be sent to the ER as a precaution.
breathing changes
Breathing issues in babies can be subtle but serious. Watch for:
Rapid breathing
Flaring nostrils
Wheezing, grunting, or noisy breathing
Retractions (when you can see the skin pulling in around their ribs or under their collarbone)
RSV can also cause coughing, wheezing, and thick, sticky mucus that’s hard to clear out.
dehydration
Hydration is so important for babies. Call your pediatrician if your little one has:
Only 1 wet diaper in 8 hours OR fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours
Crying with no tears
Dry mouth or lips (sometimes described as a “cotton mouth” look)
lethargy
True lethargy means more than just being sleepy—it means baby is hard to wake and becomes more difficult to arouse over time. Try a sternal rub (rubbing firmly on the breastbone) to wake your baby. If they do not respond, call 911 immediately.
If your baby is simply sleeping more than usual but waking normally, it could be related to vaccines, a growth spurt, or even the start of an illness.
Monitor closely and call if you’re unsure.
stool changes
Call your pediatrician if you notice blood or mucus in your baby’s diaper. This can be a sign of allergies or another issue that needs to be ruled out.
You are not alone, mama
We recommend checking out The Medical Mamas’ Pediatrics 101 class! It’s full of helpful guidance on common ailments that can bring your child to the ER, signs and symptoms of acute illness, and practical ways to manage them at home before they become severe.
Remember—when in doubt, always trust your instincts. You are your baby’s biggest advocate, and calling your pediatrician doesn’t make you an “overly worried” mom. It makes you a caring one.
Every question is valid, and no concern is too small when it comes to your little one’s health.
At Choose Joy Nursing, we’re here to walk alongside you in these early days. You don’t have to carry the weight of new motherhood alone—we believe you deserve support, peace of mind, and joy in this season.
