Babies between 6 and 12 months often get sick as their immune systems develop. Most illnesses are not serious, but it helps to know when you should call the doctor. This guide covers common illnesses and clear signs for when to seek medical help.
Fever: Understanding Baby’s Temperature
A fever is usually a sign that your baby’s body is fighting an infection.
What’s normal: Normal temperature for babies is around 97.5°F to 99.5°F (36.4°C to 37.5°C).
When to call the doctor right away:
- Any fever in babies under 3 months (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- Fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher in a 6-12 month old
- Fever that lasts more than 2-3 days
- Fever with other concerning symptoms like trouble breathing or unusual fussiness
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fever itself is not dangerous but can be a sign of illness that needs treatment. Studies show about 60% of babies will have at least one fever in their first year of life.
Colds and Respiratory Infections
Babies typically get 8-10 colds in their first year. This is normal as they build immunity.
Common symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Mild cough
- Low-grade fever
- Fussiness or trouble sleeping
When to call the doctor:
- Fever above 102.2°F (39°C)
- Trouble breathing or rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute)
- Wheezing sounds
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- Extreme irritability or lethargy
Research shows that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects nearly all children by age 2, with peak season from November to March in North America.
Ear Infections
About 80% of children will have at least one ear infection by age 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Signs of ear infection:
- Pulling or tugging at ears
- Increased fussiness, especially when lying down
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever
- Fluid draining from ear
When to call the doctor:
- Signs of ear pain that don’t improve after 24 hours
- Fever above 102.2°F (39°C)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)
Stomach viruses are common in babies and typically last 3-7 days.
Common symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Mild fever
- Fussiness
When to call the doctor immediately:
- Signs of dehydration: fewer than 4-6 wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth, unusual drowsiness
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Severe abdominal pain (baby draws knees to chest)
Studies show rotavirus and norovirus account for most cases of gastroenteritis in infants. The rotavirus vaccine has reduced severe cases by about 80% since its introduction.
Rashes and Skin Conditions
Rashes are common in babies due to their sensitive skin.
Common skin conditions:
- Diaper rash
- Heat rash
- Eczema
- Viral rashes
When to call the doctor:
- Rash with fever
- Rash that looks like tiny bruises or doesn’t blanch (fade) when pressed
- Blisters or oozing sores
- Severe diaper rash that doesn’t improve after 3 days of home treatment
- Rash with swelling of face or joints
A study in Pediatric Dermatology found that about 30% of babies develop eczema in their first year, making it one of the most common skin conditions.
Trust Your Instincts
Research published in the journal Pediatrics found that parental concern was a significant predictor of serious illness in children. If you feel something is seriously wrong with your baby, seek medical attention.
Emergency Warning Signs – Call 911 if:
- Your baby is having trouble breathing (fast breathing, blue lips, flaring nostrils, ribs showing with each breath)
- Your baby is extremely lethargic or difficult to wake
- Your baby has a seizure
- Your baby develops a rash with purple spots that don’t blanch when pressed
- Your baby has a serious injury
Preparing for Doctor Visits
When you call or visit the doctor, be ready to share:
- Your baby’s exact symptoms
- When symptoms started
- Your baby’s temperature and when it was taken
- Any medications given
- How much your baby is eating and drinking
- Number of wet diapers in the past 24 hours
According to the CDC, keeping a record of symptoms helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses.
Prevention Tips
The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend these measures to prevent illness:
- Regular handwashing for everyone who handles the baby
- Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations (which prevent serious illnesses)
- Limiting exposure to people who are sick
- Breastfeeding if possible (studies show it reduces infection rates)
Remember that mild illnesses help your baby build immunity. With each illness, your baby’s immune system gets stronger at fighting future infections.
