3 Tell-Tale Signs To Pay Attention to If You Have an Infant

This post was sponsored as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

Motherhood can turn the bravest of women into a quivering mass of fear. Have you ever just stared at your newborn and poked him just to make sure he was still alive? No — me neither.

I have a wonderful relationship with my pediatrician. With two kids that were born back to back, we got to know our pediatrician very well during the first 4 years of my kids’ lives. I must have called the after hours number at least 3 times a week! #SorryNotSorry.

I clearly remember the night my youngest was smiling at me after nursing. She was sleepy but all she seemed to do was eat and sleep. And she sounded like she was grunting but her mouth wasn’t open. Her lips looked blue, but it could have been the lighting. But the weird sound rhythmically rattling through her chest didn’t stop. So I called the doctor.

3 Reasons to Call Your Pediatrician even if you think your Baby Just Has a Cold 

Unless you have dealt personally with this informative infographic, it can be hard to relate to. However, National RSV Awareness Month is here. Every October, those of us who have been affected by RSV, not only take time to learn more about it, but also educate others. RSV stands for Respiratory Synctitial Virus and is highly contagious. Nearly 100% of all infants are infected with the virus by the age of two.  October is RSV Awareness month because we want you to be on the lookout for these symptoms in the following months.

RSV is typically the cause of a mild respiratory infection in babies and children. The virus can carry symptoms that are like a cold or the flu. If not detected, in babies born prematurely, it can be a more serious illness.

Keep in mind that RSV is a highly contagious, seasonal virus. It rears its ugly face the worst during the months of November through March.

My first experience with RSV was when my daughter was diagnosed with it as a baby. One of the scariest moments of my life.

Wheezing 

Even the best parents can miss the signs of RSV. Infants, especially when in daycare, tend to be snotty and congested all the time.

Severe RSV disease comes in the form of coughing or wheezing that doesn’t stop. You will also notice that a child with RSV may have trouble breathing or they may even grasp for air. Pay close attention to the color of the lips or fingernails because they can turn blue.

My daughter wasn’t coughing but it was because the mucus in her lungs was too thick to be broken up by coughing. Our doctor put her on a nebulizer. The breathing treatments helped break up that congestion and boy did my child start coughing. She coughed so much I asked every parent I knew for their recommendations and remedies for night time cough.

Fever

Anytime your infant’s temperature spikes over 100.4° F it warrants a call to your pediatrician. Fever is a sign that your  baby’s immune response is fighting against something. Another sign of fever is lethargy. If your little one is even more tired and seems listless, be sure to tell your doctor immediately.

Blue Lips and Fingernails 

A bluish tint to nails and lips are a sure sign that the infant is not getting the oxygen he needs! Call your doctor ASAP.

Preventing RSV

Although there are is no current cure beyond managing symptoms, it’s important to know the signs of RSV. By knowing the signs of RSV, you can protect your child. Keeping your child’s lungs away from potential RSV boils down to washing hands, washing toys, and by keeping children away from someone who may be sick. A parent can even talk to their doctor to help understand their child’s risk of developing severe RSV disease.

As RSV season approaches, I encourage you to wash your hands and do everything you can to keep your babies away from this disease. Also, never be afraid to educate others on RSV disease and how terrible and contagious it can be for babies and children.

Find out more about this common and little known virus that affects our littlest ones by visiting Little Lungs and download the below infographic.