Caring for Your Sick Baby

We've uncovered the natural remedies for kids that really work -- and the ones you should never try.

The fall and winter months are Sicky City. We've got expert advice on helping her through the illnesses that bother babies most.

... with a tablespoon, slowly increasing the dose over time. When to call the doctor: If your sick baby has... properly. "To understand when a baby is sick, you have to understand what he's like when he's well...: If your baby is a newborn (2 months or younger) and has even a low-grade fever, if your child is younger...

Is your child sick enough for a late-night call to the pediatrician? If you're really worried about your child, it's always better to call -- pediatricians expect to be awakened in the middle of the night. In fact, doctors say that many parents don't recognize some of the most serious medical situations. Here are the top 10 symptoms pediatricians want you to call about right away.

The wait-and-see approach is fine for some kids' health problems. But not these.

It's miserable to watch your child suffer through the six to 10 colds she's likely to catch this year. And to make matters worse, experts now say that kids under 6 shouldn't use over-the-counter cold and cough medicine because of potentially dangerous side effects. So what's a concerned parent to do? We asked experts to tell us how to help fend off germs in the first place and how to help her feel better fast if she does get sick.

... that concern you. If a condition isn't an emergency, the best care will come from your pediatrician. The ER... doesn't have your child's medical history on file. Unless you seek care at a children's hospital (most... of them are in metropolitan areas), your baby probably won't be seen by a pediatrician. And then there...

...The dreaded first cold hits just as your baby adopts a routine sleeping and feeding schedule. There... Days Here. During the middle phase of a cold, the fever has usually gone away, and your baby might... thickens even more and becomes crusty. Your baby will act normal in most ways, eating well and resuming...

...No matter your baby's age, it's essential to keep him well-hydrated when battling a cold. "A baby... of Medicine. For babies less than 4 months old, stick to just breast milk or formula. At 4 months, your baby.... Acetaminophen may be used to treat a fever if your baby is 4 months old or older, says Rhya Strifling, M.D., a...

Vomiting can signal anything from a 24-hour bug to a food allergy to appendicitis. Here's how to figure out what's making your child's stomach ache -- and how to treat it.

...If it hasn't happened to you yet, it probably will soon: that heart-wrenching night when your baby... pediatrician. First, see if your baby has a fever. Lay the back of your hand on her forehead, or kiss it... the tip with a dab of petroleum jelly. Position your baby face down across your legs and spread her...

... sick, you're not a wuss -- and you're definitely not alone. "With the first baby, every bump or rash... is hard to come by when you're caring for a fragile peanut, so remember this: Most of the time... the first or second night she's been fussy, the more likely culprit is gas, which stretches out your baby...

Though your child may not have much of an appetite when he's sick, try to get him to eat. These comfort foods can help.

This guide to removing the snot from your baby's nose will help you through what can feel like one of the trickiest jobs of parenthood -- in four simple steps.

...A baby's cough can mean very different things, and it's not as if you can ask your baby what... cases, chances are your baby's cough is nothing more than a cold. To help you tell a wait-and-see cough... on the severity of the cold, baby can have: Some rattling mucus A slight fever at night Treatment: Try your own...

Looking for safe, doctor-approved cures for sore throats, coughs, stomachaches, and more? Check this out!

What she really thinks about the Internet, 3 a.m. calls, and other tricky issues.

...If your baby has diarrhea, it's very important that you keep him well hydrated, or you may end up... the diarrhea, it is very important to wash your hands very well and often. /parents/files/includes/isYourBaby... having to go to the emergency room. Babies, in particular, can get dehydrated very quickly if they have a...

Colds and flu are a fact of life for kids, but there are smart steps you can take to help reduce their number of sick days.

When your baby first starts solids, offer him 1 to 2 tablespoons of food once a day, then add a second meal after he's responded well for a week or two.

Which symptoms warrant a call to your child's doctor?

... (like echinacea) are safe and effective treatments for your sick child. Reality: Though echinacea... babies' and young children's health, growth, care, and more. Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.... are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Dr. Adesman Explains: "Over-the-counter baby medications have...

You can't take chances when your child has a fever, but you shouldn't panic either. We'll explain what to look for so you can stay calm -- and help her feel better fast.

Teething is an important part of Baby's development. It can be an irratiable time for him, but there are many ways you can help ease the pain. Follow these tips to keep Baby comfortable.

Kids under 6 years old shouldn't take over-the-counter medicine, but we've got a list of other remedies to try when your kid is feeling awful.