When your baby falls ill

Young parents often get confused or hyper when their child is ill. So here's a check list on what to do the next time when faced with such a case.

Give a clear history. Provide all details of a child's symptoms: like, 'vomiting for four days' or even 'fever in the evenings.'

Avoid self-medication, except for the basic drugs for fever or a mild cough, cough, or vomiting. You may also give oral re-hydration salts for diarrhea.

Keep a clinical thermometer at home. Measure and jot down your child's temperature if you feel he's feverish. Merely feeling the skin can be misleading.

Have records ready. Of previous lab tests, immunization, reactions or surgery. For newborns keep maternal and delivery records handy.

Write down your questions. Or else you forget to ask all that you may need to know, especially since kids may cry during the consultation.

Careful with immunizations. Follow all dates given by the doctor, but if your child is sick when you take him for a shot, let the doctor know. Also tell the doctor about reactions that may have occurred after your child's earlier immunizations.