Handy Hint

When removing a splinter, numb the area with an ice cube first.

During the first few months, your baby's body is only just learning to cope with the viruses and infections that his life in the world exposes him to. He will continue to receive protection from the antibodies you passed him while he was in the womb and afterwards if you're breastfeeding, but he is still vulnerable. While he's still tiny, never hesitate to call your doctor if you are at all worried about his health.

You may have a feeling that something's not quite right. Perhaps your baby seems more sleepy than usual, is uninterested in what's going on or just a little unenthusiastic about feeding. Even if you can't work out what's wrong, but you are still worried, you should call your health visitor or doctor for advice.

The most accurate way to take your baby's temperature is with a mercury or digital thermometer. Tuck the end under your baby's armpit. Hold the baby's arm down and wait for three to five minutes. A child's body temperature is 36°C to 37.5°C, but under the arm it is about 0.6° lower. Over 37°C indicates fever.

At other times, if your baby is ill, he will show distinct signs of illness. These might include:

• A hoarse cough with noisy breathing.
• Crying in an unusual way, crying inconsolably or crying as if in pain.
• Refusing feeds.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
• Being unusually hot, cold, listless or drowsy.
• If your baby shows any of these symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Contact your doctor urgently if your baby shows any of the following signs:

• Has a fit, turns blue or very pale (check the palms of a dark-skinned baby) or seems floppy.
• Has a temperature over 39°C (38.4°C under the arms) especially if he also has a rash.
• Is very drowsy, lethargic, hard to wake or doesn't seem to know you.
• Has a temperature, but has cold, clammy hands and feet.
• Has a temperature higher than normal (37°C) for more than 24 hours.
• Is vomiting.
• Appears uninterested and listless.
• Refuses food.
• Has a very red throat.