It can be tricky at times to know what was going on with our baby or toddler when they are not feeling well. When my kids were little, it felt like a mystery to me. Were they teething? Was it an ear infection? Or maybe the flu or a cold? Why do they have a fever? What could this rash mean? Now that my kids are school-aged, it is a whole lot easier as they can tell me how they are feeling and explain what they need.

I now receive calls from my siblings about their little ones. I’m thrilled I get to enjoy them as an aunt. It’s like a gift. But that call when they aren’t feeling well still stumps me at times. I proudly enjoy the calls as the experienced oldest sister (and they like that I happen to be a nurse). Is it really always that clear? I think not!

Here is where I go to get some answers… our HaltonParents website! I go to the Illness and When to call the Healthcare Provider page.  It has information on when to see a healthcare provider, fever, what to watch for in your baby and why babies cry. It’s all about having the resources at your finger tips. I hope they help!

My BIGGEST tip is… listen to your instincts! You know your baby best! Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned. It will be up to your healthcare provider to see your baby and diagnose the problem. If your baby is ill, and your healthcare provider is not available, seek medical care at your nearest walk-in clinic or hospital Emergency. A great phone number to have is Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000, especially in the middle of the night when you are wondering what to do. In a medical emergency call 911.

If you have any questions about your child or have any tips to share, connect with us:

• Leave us a comment below
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• Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca

For parenting information or to speak with a public health nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.