When Should Parents Contact a Pediatrician?

Parents should contact a pediatrician when a child has symptoms that are persistent, worsening or difficult to understand, or when they are worried about feeding, hydration, breathing, growth, development or behavior. Urgent medical attention is appropriate for serious breathing difficulty, severe dehydration, a seizure, a child who is difficult to wake, or other signs of a medical emergency. For infants and children, the appropriate response can depend strongly on age and medical history, so when in doubt, seek professional advice.