Slideshow: 10 Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Toddlers

Diarrhea

An infection, trouble digesting certain foods, or too much fruit juice or milk are among the causes. If your child gets it, keep her at home and hydrated. If she's on solids, avoid high-fiber and greasy foods. Call the doctor if she isn't better in 24 hours, is under 6 months old, or has other symptoms, such as a fever of 101 or higher, vomiting, peeing less than usual, fast heart rate, bloody or black stool, or belly pain.

Fever

Call the doctor immediately if:

• A baby under 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher.
• A baby 3 to 6 months old has a temperature of 101 or higher.
• Or if an infant is crying, irritable, and can't be comforted.

Watch for ear pain, a cough, lethargy, a rash, vomiting, or diarrhea. Soothe your little one with fluids, a lukewarm bath, and by dressing him in lightweight clothes. Ask your doctor about safe ways to lower a fever.

Constipation

Some babies poop several times a day. Others go a few days between bowel movements. Constipation is when stools are hard and painful to pass. Your doctor may suggest that you add a few extra ounces of water or a bit of prune juice to your child's bottle or sippy cup.The doctor may also tell you to limit dairy intake to less than 16 ounces per day, Call the doctor if the problem continues or your baby has other symptoms, such as belly pain or vomiting.

Rashes

Babies have sensitive skin. Rashes can range from pimples to little white bumps (milia) to red, dry, itchy patches (eczema). To avoid diaper rash, change diapers often, and apply an ointment for protection. For eczema, skip harsh soaps and keep your child's skin moisturized. Most rashes aren't serious. But call the doctor if the one your baby has is painful or severe, or if he also has a fever or blisters.

Cough: Babies and Toddlers

Listen to how it sounds. A seal-like bark could be croup. Coughs with a mild fever are often from a cold. A higher persistent fever may mean pneumonia or the flu. Wheezing with a cough could be asthma or an infection. Babies with pertussis have coughing spasms and make a "whooping" sound. A cool-mist humidifier and fluids can ease the symptoms. Don’t give cough or cold medicines to babies or children younger than 4 years.

Stomachache

When your little one has an upset tummy, he may cry a lot, arch his back, and spit up. It can happen because of colic, reflux, trouble with certain foods, an infection, or other reasons. Some tots have problems as they try different foods. Most stomachaches are harmless and brief. But call the doctor if it doesn't improve, or your child vomits, has diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or runs a fever.

Teething Pain

By the time she’s about 6 months old, tiny teeth will start to poke through her gums. That often makes babies cry a lot! Give her something to chew on. A rubber teething ring that’s BPA-free works well. You can also gently massage your baby’s gums with your finger, or give her something cool to chew on, like a wet, cold washcloth. You can ask your doctor if a pain reliever such as acetaminophen is OK.

Gassiness

It’s normal! To help your baby not be too gassy, feed him slowly and gently burp him often. Take a burp break while feeding and after, too. If you use formula, try not to shake it a lot (to avoid bubbles).

Stuffy Noses

Baby’s congested? Don’t use over-the-counter cold medicine in children under 4 years. Instead, use saline drops to thin out mucus, and then suction it out of your child's nose with a bulb syringe. A vaporizer machine can help him breathe easier at night.

Nausea and Vomiting

It’s common -- and harmless! -- for babies to spit up a bit after eating. Little kids can get upset tummies, too. Keep yours hydrated. Call the doctor if the vomiting doesn't stop in a few hours, happens in a baby who also has a fever, or if your child can’t keep down fluids.

How to Keep Your Cool

When your baby feels bad, you do, too. Try to stay calm and trust your instincts. Watch for signs that he needs a doctor or emergency medical care. Some warning signs include appetite changes, extreme fussiness, lethargy, breathing problems, rashes, a stiff neck, seizure, a high fever, and a lack of wet diapers.

Slideshow: 10 Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Toddlers

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REFERENCES:

• American Academy of Family Physicians.
• American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Baby Center web site.
• Behrman, R., Kliegman, R., and Jenson, H. (eds.). Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th edition, Saunders, 2004.
• Children's Physician Network.
• Florida Health Finder.
• Journal of the American Medical Association, March 10, 2004.
• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
• Texas Children's Hospital.
• The Nemours Foundation.