Many times we don’t want to take the time to bring our children to the doctor’s office, figuring we could save the copayment or we can treat the symptoms ourselves at home. However, there are some times when we need the medical intervention, such as:

• When infants have a temperature of 100 degrees F.
• When toddlers have a temperature of 102+ degrees F.
• When children or adults have a temperature of 104+ degrees F.
• When anyone has a fever accompanied by a rash, seizure, or the fever lasts longer than 72 hours.
• If you think your child is having an allergic reaction to a medication.
• If you think you may have given the wrong dosage to your child.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Having a clear understanding of the medication your doctor prescribes to your child is vital to his or her safety. Here are some important questions to ask your doctor before getting the prescription filled:

• What is the name of the drug and what is it for?
• Will this drug interact with any other medications or vitamins my child is taking?
• How often does my child need to take this medication and for how many days or weeks?
• What if I miss giving my child a dose?
• How long before the drug starts working?
• Are there any side effects and if so, what should I do if my child exhibits these side effects?
• When can I stop giving him the medication?
• Is there a generic version of this drug?

Before you leave the pharmacy, check the medication and be sure it’s the right name and dosage that your doctor mentioned. If you’re unclear about anything, ask your pharmacist to explain how the medicine should be administered. If anything at all sounds different from what your doctor said, then hold off giving the medicine to your child until you get your questions answered.
And if your doctor doesn’t cooperate or answer your questions to your satisfaction, then find another doctor.

All Natural Remedies
If your child shows signs of a mild illness, there are some all natural things you can do to ease their symptoms.

For a mild cold, keep him hydrated because the increase in fluids will break up the mucus causing the congestion. Saline nasal drops and a cool mist humidifier can also help clear nasal congestion. For young children who don’t know how to blow their noses, use a bulb syringe to help clear out that mucus.

For fever, use wet cloths on the forehead or under the arms to bring down the temperature. You can also place your child in a lukewarm bath; not cold enough to send them into chills but not hot enough to scald their skin.

Infants who are teething can benefit from a homeopathic product such as Hyland’s Teething Tablets. These tablets dissolve on baby’s tongue and are made with all natural ingredients. For more information.