Welcoming a baby into the world is an amazing event for parents. But, it is also normal for new parents to be concerned about their baby's health. Newborn babies will need regular well visits with their pediatrician to ensure that they are healthy and growing. However, there may be situations where you need to contact your newborn's pediatrician outside of standard appointments. When it comes to newborn babies, it is important to seek medical care promptly if issues arise — even if you are unsure about whether or not to make an emergency appointment, it is better to err on the side of caution. Some of the top reasons to take your newborn baby to the pediatrician outside of well visits include the following.

Fever

The body produces a fever when it is trying to fight off a virus or bacteria. In older children and adults, a moderate fever is usually not cause for concern. However, newborn babies are fragile and have an undeveloped immune system. Thus, if your newborn baby develops a fever, it is important to contact your child's pediatrician right away so they can do a comprehensive exam and determine what type of treatment is needed. Never ignore a fever in a newborn baby.

Signs of Dehydration

When you bring your baby home, it is important to pay close attention to how much formula or breastmilk your baby is consuming to help ensure that they are getting enough liquid to stay hydrated. A good way to do this is by keeping track of wet diapers. If you notice that your newborn is not producing several wet diapers a day, that is cause for concern. In this type of situation, contact your baby's pediatrician as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Newborn babies often spit up, and they can have loose stools, especially breastfed babies. However, frequent diarrhea and vomiting is an issue that needs to be addressed with your baby's pediatrician. If your newborn baby is vomiting, they may not be receiving enough nutrition, which can hinder weight gain and cause failure to thrive. Diarrhea can be a sign of several issues that require medical attention. The sooner you contact your baby's pediatrician and make an appointment, the sooner the problem can be identified and treated so your baby can make a full recovery and regain their good health. 

Reach out to a pediatrician for more information.