Straight answers to the questions we all Google at 2 a.m.
If you are a parent, you already know this feeling. Your child wakes up crying, coughing, warm to the touch, or just off, and suddenly your brain jumps to worst case scenarios. Is this normal? Is this serious? Do I wait it out or call the doctor?
To help cut through the panic and the internet rabbit holes and went straight to the pros. I sat down with Dr. Mehra, Dr. Schiz, and Dr. Sebastian from one of Greenwich’s longest standing pediatric groups, Children’s Medical Group, to ask the most common questions parents worry about at home. These are the answers every parent should have bookmarked.
Is this fever too high?
This is one of the most common and anxiety inducing questions, and the answer is reassuring.
A fever is the body’s normal response to infection. In most cases, the number itself matters less than how your child looks and acts.
Fevers up to 104 degrees are common with viral and bacterial infections and are not dangerous on their own. Fevers do not cause brain damage unless they are extremely high, typically over 107 degrees, which is very rare and not caused by routine illness.
Instead of focusing only on the thermometer, ask yourself:
Is my child alert?
Are they consolable?
Are they drinking fluids and making urine?
Are they breathing comfortably?
If the answer is no to any of these, call your pediatrician or seek care.
My child woke up screaming. Are night terrors normal?
Yes. Night terrors are common and normal in young children, especially between ages 3 and 8.
They usually happen in the first few hours of sleep. A child may suddenly sit up, scream, cry, look terrified, or have a fast heartbeat. Even though it looks alarming, they are not fully awake and usually do not remember it in the morning.
Important things parents should know:
Night terrors are not nightmares.
They are not linked to emotional trauma.
They do not harm the brain or development.
Most children outgrow them on their own.
What helps:
Stay calm and keep your child safe in bed.
Do not try to wake them. This often makes it worse.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, as overtiredness can trigger night terrors.
Call your pediatrician if episodes become very frequent, worsen, happen multiple times a night, or involve unsafe sleepwalking or seizure like movements.
Is it okay if my baby skipped a feeding?
In most cases, yes.
It is normal for babies to occasionally skip a feeding, especially if they look well, are feeding adequately during the day, and are gaining weight appropriately.
If your baby is under two weeks old, try to feed at least every three hours, which equals about eight feeds per day. You should also be able to wake your baby easily for feeds.
If your baby is difficult to wake or consistently skipping feeds, check in with your pediatrician.
My baby is fed, changed, and not sick. Why are they still crying?
Sometimes the hardest answer is the simplest one.
Babies cry. It is part of normal development.
If your baby is fed, dry, and comfortable, gentle strategies like allowing self soothing, back rubs, white noise, or soft music can help. If something feels off or your instincts tell you something is wrong, call your pediatrician.
You are never bothering them.
Is my child breathing normally while sleeping?
Normal breathing during sleep looks calm and easy.
Things that are reassuring:
No color changes.
No nasal flaring.
No chest muscles pulling in.
No coughing or wheezing.
No fever.
Periodic breathing, where babies pause briefly between breaths, can be normal if none of the above signs are present.
Call your pediatrician if you notice rapid breathing, visible rib movement, belly breathing, wheezing, or if something does not look right to you.
My child is vomiting. When should I worry?
Context matters.
Vomiting is more concerning in toddlers when paired with specific red flags.
Call your pediatrician or seek care if vomiting follows:
A head injury with loss of consciousness, extreme sleepiness, or lethargy.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, facial or tongue swelling, breathing trouble, or color changes.
Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, pale skin, lethargy, or decreased urination.
With stomach bugs, hydration is key. A child who is alert, active, urinating normally, and has a moist mouth is usually doing okay. If dehydration is a concern, call your pediatrician or go to the ER for further care.
My child has a cough. What should I listen for?
The sound and timing of a cough matters more than how loud it is.
Things to consider:
Wet coughs are more often associated with illness.
Dry coughs may come from postnasal drip, viral colds, or allergies.
Barky, seal like coughs that come on suddenly at night may be croup.
Nighttime coughs can be caused by postnasal drip.
Early morning coughs may point to sinus issues.
Watch your child, not just the sound. Rapid breathing, belly movement, visible ribs, or wheezing are reasons to call your pediatrician.
Steam and honey can help coughs in children over one year old.
My child has a rash. How do I know if it’s serious?
Rashes depend heavily on context.
Things that raise concern:
Rapid spreading.
Associated fever, cough, sore throat, or headache.
Rashes that do not blanch when pressed.
Flat red rashes spreading to face, trunk, or extremities.
Signs of allergic reaction like hives with swelling, breathing trouble, or lethargy.
Hives that are itchy, raised, and blanching can be allergy related and often are not urgent unless paired with breathing issues or swelling.
When in doubt, call your pediatrician or schedule a telehealth visit.
The takeaway
You do not need to diagnose your child. Your job is to observe, trust your instincts, and ask for help when something feels off.
And if you ever find yourself wondering whether you are overreacting, remember this. Pediatricians would much rather hear from you early than late.
You are not alone in this. And if you are looking for the best pediatric care around – Children’s Medical Group is for you!
