I think my 1-year old caught my cold, how do I know when to take him to the doctor?

Question

He really hasn't had to go to the doctor exept for routine check-ups since he was born, so I don't know. I have what I think is a cold, and this morning my baby started having this nasty cough like mine. Is it worth it to take him to the doctor, or will he just say "he has a cold, give him Tylenol"? What would you do? How do I know when I should take him? Thanks!!

Answer 1

I also have a one year old who has had a cold or two in his life so far.... he has one right now cuz he was playing with other kids who had one...

you can call the nurse and ask her advice. Generally they won't see them right away for a cold.

They will ask if he has a fever... if he is eating ok... is his cough so bad that it keeps him awake? If he has congestion, is it green?

If there is no fever, he's sleeping ok and eating ok... and his snot is clear, it's just a cold. Use a cool mist vaporizer... and an aspirator to remove the snot. Let it run it's course.

If he has a fever, green snot, a cough that keeps him awake... it's time to call the doctor.

Answer 2

If your child has difficulties breathing that you cannot cure with saline nose drops, a bulb syringe and an infant decongestant... then you might run him to the doctor. If he begins to run a fever higher than 100 degrees, he may have something different, and you definitely need to take him to the doctor. In the meantime, try one of those outlet plug in vaporizers, or some Baby Vicks and just keep him happy and comfy! There really isn't a need for a doctor run just for a common cold. Best of luck!

Answer 3

while the main thing doctors will say is fever and because he is only 1 i say take him just to see what kind of medicane he can take. tylenol isnt the best med. it barley works the best med i discovered was pediacare i cant spell but i think u can figure out what it is. I wouldnt take him in just a cough but like i said if u just want to ask the doc. what will be best for him i say go ahead to be on the safe side. And another important thing to keep in mind is, i cant remeber which cold med. but 1 of them recalled there med. saying that there were alot of babies over doseing on there med i think it was tylenol but not sure just something to to keep in mind. some more natural remdies that help are vicks rub, a humifier, and the vapor baby wash(it works real good) i say try this 1st. good luck my son keep colds

Answer 4

I'd watch him. If he starts coughing up green stuff, or his cough is debilitating and its not producing anything i'd have him checked.

Or if he has a high fever for more than 3-4 days, or if he has rash with fever, or a fever that wont come down while he has tylenol in him.

Our bodies are amazing. Give him a chance to fight it off. Until it crosses from virus to bacterial infection, theres nothing the doctor can do anyway.

Answer 5

I agree. Call the doc before giving any medications. I remeber reading an article about giving cold remedies to children under 6 years of age. It is not recommended!

Answer 6

If it's a cold, you have to watch for the THROAT, then the EARS. If you see your child rubbing his ears, it means he has otitis (an infection of the eardrum) which can come from getting a cold and sore throat.
PS> Make sure he/she doesn't have a fever

Answer 7

I agree, let him try to fight it off. If he starts to run a fever call the dr. then. They will tell you if you should come in or not.

Answer 8

I would call your doc and ask if he wants to see your son, or if he wants you to give him medicine.

Answer 9

If its that bad go espeshilly if he can't breath.