Learn how to take your baby’s temperature by looking in a baby care book or asking a friend or the nurse or doctor. It is important for the doctor to know if your baby has a fever and whether it is a low fever (100 degrees) or a high fever. For information on how to take a baby’s temperature, go to the Kids Health web site from the Nemours Foundation: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/fever.html
Before you go to the doctor, write down your questions so you won’t forget them. When you talk with the doctor, whether it is in person or on the phone, have the following information written down in front of you:
1. Your baby’s temperature _________
2. Pain
---Screaming ___ head rolling ___ pulling up legs ___
---A different kind of cry ___Cries when touched ___
3. Appetite
---None ___ Very little ___Vomiting ___
4. Breathing
---Difficult ___ Fast ___ Slow ___ Coughing___ Wheezing ___
5. Eyes/Ears
---Discharge ___ Pulling or rubbing ___
6. Skin
---Flushed or sweaty ___ Pale ___ Rash ___
7. Bowels
---Watery ___ Slimy ___ Hard or dry ___
8. Mood
---Too quiet ___ Fussy ___Changes in eating or sleeping habits____
Listen carefully to the instructions the doctor gives you. Write them down. Don’t be embarrassed if you need the doctor to repeat or explain something. Read the instructions you have written back to the doctor to make sure you understood them. The instructions need to be followed carefully. Look at the instructions later to see that you are following them. For more information on sharing any of your concerns with your doctor go to this web site: http://www.firstsigns.org/concerns/parent_doc.htm
