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Is Your Baby Sick? When to Get Medical Help

It can be difficult to know whether your baby is experiencing a minor illness or needs medical attention. While many common childhood illnesses can be safely managed at home, some symptoms may require advice from a healthcare professional or urgent medical care.

This guide can help you recognize when to contact your baby's healthcare provider, when to seek urgent medical attention, and when emergency care may be needed. Remember—you know your baby best. If you are concerned about your baby's health or notice changes that don't seem right, it's always okay to seek medical advice.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

 

Feeding concerns

  • Your baby misses two or more feedings in a row.

  • Your baby is feeding significantly less than usual.

 

Unusual sleepiness or behaviour changes

  • Your baby is much sleepier than usual.

  • Your baby is difficult to wake.

  • Your baby appears unusually floppy, irritable, or difficult to comfort.

 

Fever

  • Birth to 3 months: Contact a healthcare provider immediately for any fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher).

  • 3 to 6 months: Contact a healthcare provider if your baby has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, especially if they appear unwell, are feeding poorly, or are unusually sleepy or irritable.

  • 6 to 24 months: Contact a healthcare provider if your baby has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher that lasts longer than 24 hours, even if they seem otherwise well.

  • Contact a healthcare provider sooner if the fever is accompanied by symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or a rash.

  • For babies of any age, seek medical advice if a fever lasts more than 3 days.

 

Diarrhea or constipation

  • Your baby has frequent loose or watery stools.

  • Your baby has not had a bowel movement for several days and appears uncomfortable or has a bloated abdomen.

 

Vomiting

  • Your baby is vomiting repeatedly rather than simply spitting up.

  • Your baby is unable to keep fluids down.

 

Signs of dehydration

  • Fewer wet diapers than usual.

  • Dry mouth or lips.

  • Few or no tears when crying.

  • A sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head.

 

Cold or respiratory symptoms

  • Persistent cough.

  • Ear pain.

  • Difficulty breathing or breathing faster than usual.

  • Symptoms that last longer than 10 days.

 

Rash

  • A rash that appears suddenly.

  • A rash with blisters, signs of infection, or fever.

 

Eye concerns

  • Redness, swelling, or discharge from one or both eyes.

 

Trust your instincts

  • If you are worried about your baby's symptoms or feel that something is not right, contact a healthcare professional. You know your baby best.

Additional Resources

Sick Baby? When to Seek Medical Care

A comprehensive guide from Mayo Clinic covering common symptoms in babies, signs of illness, fever recommendations, and when to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

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Is It an Emergency?

This interactive resource from the Montreal Children's Hospital helps parents determine whether their child requires emergency care and provides guidance on common symptoms and illnesses.

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CHEO: Is It an Emergency?​

A quick-reference guide from CHEO outlining symptoms that require emergency medical attention and situations that can often be managed through your healthcare provider, Health811, or a walk-in clinic.

The information on this website is intended for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your child's health, seek medical attention.

Doctor Examining Child
Pink Spoon With Pills

Wondering Where to Seek Care?

For emergencies:

 

1. CHEO: For children and youth in Eastern Ontario, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Emergency Department provides specialized pediatric emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your child's condition is life-threatening, call 911 immediately.

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Alternatives to the ED:

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1. Call your family doctor or pediatrician

Even if the office is closed, listen to the voice message for instructions and details about accessing care outside of office hours. Many family doctors have same-day, next day or walk-in hours during evenings and weekends. They may also offer 24/7 telephone advice to help you manage until they can see you.

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2. Visit a pediatric clinic or walk-in clinic

 

East Ottawa Kids Care Clinic

Kids Come First Care Clinics

 

If you are looking for a walk-in clinic near you, call 211 Ontario, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many clinics in Eastern Ontario also accept Québec patients.

 

3. Access virtual care services

 

East Region Virtual Care Clinic

 

Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre

  • Website: www.rcvtac.ca

  • Phone: 1-844-727-6404

  • Available in English only

  • For children 2 years of age and older

 

3. Health811: Connect with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Services are available in English and French, with interpretation offered in many other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca for support with health concerns, symptoms, and questions about your child’s health.

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Need more information? Cheo.on.ca is the best place to find information on CHEO's programs and services and learn about a variety of health topics for children and youth. Visit the online resource section to access CHEO-recommended websites, books, apps, videos and more!

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