When to Call the Doctor: A Parent’s Guide | The IPM Group

by | Dec 3, 2025 | When to call

As a parent, it’s hard to know when you can watch and wait at home and when it’s time to call your child’s doctor. At The IPM Group, home to Our Village Pediatrics and Sandy Plains Healthcare, we want you to feel confident making that call.

Trust Your Gut!

If you are worried about your child for any reason, it is always okay to call. You know your child best. If something feels “off,” your pediatric team would rather talk with you early than late.

Call the doctor right away (same day) if:

  • Your baby is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, even if they seem okay HealthyChildren.org+2AAP+2

  • Your child of any age:

    • Is having trouble breathing (fast breathing, ribs pulling in, flaring nostrils, grunting, pauses in breathing)

    • Is unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or not responding normally

    • Has signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, very dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, not peeing at least every 6–8 hours)

    • Has a stiff neck, severe headache, or is very sensitive to light

    • Has a seizure

    • Has a fever higher than 104°F (40°C), or a fever that keeps coming back or lasts more than 3 days HealthyChildren.org+1

    • Has a rash that is purple, looks like bruises, or spreads quickly

    • Has a chronic medical condition (heart disease, immune problems, cancer, sickle cell disease, etc.) and is sick

Call during office hours if:

 

  • Your child has a fever but is drinking okay and still has some energy, and you just need guidance

  • Cold symptoms (cough, congestion, runny nose) are lasting more than 10–14 days

  • Cough is getting worse instead of better or is affecting sleep and play

  • Ear pain, pulling at ears, or drainage from the ear

  • Eye redness with discharge (“goopy” eyes)

  • Mild vomiting or diarrhea that is not improving after 24 hours

  • You have questions about medications or safe dosing

Go to the ER or call 911 if:

  • Your child is struggling to breathe (blue lips or face, cannot speak or cry, pauses in breathing)

  • Your child is not waking up or you cannot keep them awake

  • There is a major injury, large burn, serious head injury, or possible broken bone

  • Your baby under 3 months has a fever and looks very sick

Keep this in mind

  • When in doubt, call. Your pediatric team can help you decide if you can manage at home, need a same-day visit, or should go to urgent care or the ER.

  • Write your practice phone numbers and after-hours instructions on your fridge and in your phone.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general education and does not replace medical care. Always follow the specific instructions given by your child’s healthcare provider.