It's an emergency when...

We show you how to recognise an emergency.

In general, a visit to the ER is warranted when a baby is: very lethargic or unresponsive, or extremely and uncharacteristically inconsolable; having trouble breathing; projectile vomiting (vomit coming out forcibly) and younger than six weeks old; very cool to the touch; and feverish, with a rectal temperature of 38ºC or higher in babies two months old or younger.
In older babies, call the paediatrician if the temperature is greater than 38.8ºC. If you are not sure what to do, go to the ER and then call your paediatrician. Always err on the side of safety. Never worry that your trip is a waste of the doctor’s or hospital staffs’ time.

To take baby’s temperature… use a digital rectal thermometer in order to get an accurate reading quickly. Put a little water-soluble lubricant or petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, on the end of the thermometer. Lay baby on your lap, tummy down. Place your hand nearest the baby’s head on his or her lower back and separate the baby’s buttocks with your thumb and forefinger. Insert the thermometer into the baby’s rectum just until the tip is covered. The tip is thin so it doesn’t hurt the baby. Leave the thermometer in place until it beeps. Normal body temperature for babies varies from 36ºC to 37ºC.