Emergency signs to know

Call 911 or head to the ER immediately for: trouble breathing (grunting, blue lips, chest retractions, choking), a seizure, unresponsiveness or difficulty waking, severe head injury, a suspected broken bone with obvious deformity, sudden severe bleeding, ingestion of a toxic substance, or any life-threatening allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing). Same-day pediatric visit for: fever thresholds above, severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration signs (dry mouth, no wet diapers for 8+ hours, sunken soft spot), refusing multiple feeds, unusual rash with fever, or a strongly "something is wrong" gut feeling. Save your pediatric practice's after-hours number and Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) in your phone. Being ready is different from being anxious.