When to call the doctor (for parents of toddlers)

Toddlers are accident-prone little creatures and tend to get more than their fair share of minor ailments like coughs and colds, too.

But how do you decide if your toddler needs to see the doctor or whether a chat with your early childhood nurse will do? And under what circumstances should you call an ambulance? Read our guide to find out.

When should I take my child to a doctor?

If you’re worried about your child’s health, or if you’re concerned that you’re unable to do enough for him at home while he’s sick or injured, it’s fine to call your doctor.

Make an appointment to see your GP if your child has any of these symptoms for 24 hours or more:

• Vomiting, particularly if he’s unable to hold down fluids or is repeatedly throwing up.
• An unexplained rash (NHS 2018d).
• A temperature of 38 degrees C or higher (fever) that doesn’t come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen (NHS 2017a, RCHM 2018a), or one that lasts more than two days (RCHM 2018a).
• Bad diarrhoea (more than seven smaller episodes, or two or more large poos, in one day) (RCHM 2018c).
• A severe sore throat and difficulty with swallowing or talking (NHS 2018a).
• Pain when he wees, or weeing more or less often than usual (NHS 2017f).
• A cut or graze that oozes pus, or the area around it becomes hot, red, tender or swollen (NHS 2018e).
• A barking cough and a rasping sound when he breathes in (croup) (NHS 2017d).
• Pain in his eyes, sensitivity to light, disturbed vision, or intense redness in one or both of his eyes (NHS 2018f).
• Refusing water to the point where you’re concerned he could be dehydrated (NHS 2017b).
• Discharge from the ears, eyes, penis or (in girls) vagina (NHS 2017c, 2018b, f, RCHM 2018b).
• Has blood in his vomit, or vomit that’s green (RCHM 2018c).
• Has blood in his poo (RCHM 2018c).
• Has sunburn that you’re worried about or that’s causing him distress (NHS 2019).

Find out what to do if you think your child may have coronavirus.

What if my GP’s surgery is closed?

If you phone your GP’s surgery out of hours, you may be directed to a local medical centre that’s open late or 24 hours. Or you may be directed to an out-of-hours doctor service, which may be able to arrange for one of their doctors to visit your toddler at your house. Out of hours services normally run from evenings and overnight on weekdays, afternoons and overnight on Saturdays, and all day and night on Sundays and public holidays.

Another option is to call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. Health Direct is a 24-hour, government-funded service. Some states and territories also provide a 24-hour nurse-on-call or maternal-and-child-health helpline.

When should I take my childto a hospital emergency department?

If your child has a condition or injury that isn’t life-threatening but needs immediate treatment, take him to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For example, go straight to the emergency department if your child:

• Has a fever that’s accompanied by other symptoms. For example, a rash that doesn’t disappear when you press a glass on it, abnormal crying (NCCWCH 2013), or still seeming sluggish after being given ibuprofen or paracetamol. This may be a sign of a serious illness or infection (NCCWCH 2013).
• Is breathing very rapidly or has laboured, rasping breathing (stridor). You may also notice his tummy sucking in under his ribs (NHS 2017e), or his nostrils flaring when he breathes in (NCCWCH 2013).
• Has severe tummy pain (NHS 2018g).
• Swallows something that could be poisonous or harmful, even if he seems well (NHS 2018c). Take the packet or bottle to the hospital with you, if there is one (NHS 2018c).
• Has an object stuck in his nose, ear or mouth (NHS 2018c, RCHM 2018f). Never try to remove objects yourself (NHS 2018c).
• Has a burn or scald that's deep, blistering or larger than 3cm (even if it doesn’t seem to hurt your toddler) (RCHM 2018d). Also take him to hospital if the burn or scald is on his face, hands or genitals, or affects his throat or airway (RCHM 2018d).
• Has a leg or arm injury and is unable to use the limb (NHS 2018c).

Meningitis
Meningitis can be difficult to diagnose, because many of its symptoms are similar to other infections (GOSH 2014). But it’s best to play it safe.

So if you suspect your toddler may have meningitis, take him straight to your nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance if he shows one or more of the following symptoms:

• a fever of 38 degrees C or above, accompanied by cold hands and feet
• refusing food and drink
• being unusually drowsy, lethargic or irritable
• breathing rapidly or showing signs of breathing difficulties
• skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
• a purple-red rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it
• a dislike of bright lights
• a stiff neck
• repeated or uncontrollable vomiting, especially if accompanied by any of the symptoms above
  (NHS 2016a, NICE 2016)

When should I call an ambulance?

If your child is so ill that you think he needs immediate medical treatment, for example, if he has severe breathing difficulties, call 000.

You'll be asked which emergency service you need and will then be put through to an ambulance controller. She’ll send an ambulance out immediately. She’ll also help you assess your toddler's condition and give him emergency first aid until the ambulance arrives.

Call an ambulance if your child:

• Stops breathing.
• Is unconscious or semi-conscious.
• Is having trouble breathing, or is breathing abnormally quickly, particularly if his skin and lips start to develop a bluish tinge. This means he’s not getting enough oxygen.
• Gets a serious bump to the head.
• Has a convulsion (fit or seizure) for the first time, or one that lasts for more than five minutes. His eyes may roll back in his head, he may be unresponsive and his limbs may twitch. Convulsions are usually caused by a fever (febrile convulsions), but not always.
• Has a cut that won’t stop bleeding, or is gaping open. To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth and try to keep the affected part raised.
• Becomes unwell after swallowing something poisonous or harmful, such as medications meant for adults (don't forget to take the bottle or packet to the hospital with you).
• Has had an accident and you think his neck or spine could be injured. Keep him still and don’t move him.
  (NHS 2016b, 2017e, 2018c, RCHM 2018e)

What if I just want some advice about my toddler’s health?

A pharmacist can answer most queries about minor ailments, such as nappy rash and coughs and colds. You can ask which over-the-counter medicines are suitable for your child, or whether he should see a doctor instead. Your pharmacist can also answer questions about any medications your toddler is taking.

You can walk into any pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist in confidence. Most pharmacies have a private consultation area.

Your child health nurse can also help with any worries you have about your toddler's wellbeing. She can advise you on feeding your toddler, which immunisations he needs, development issues, sleep, and minor health problems, such as constipation (VDET 2018).

Ask whether there’s a practice nurse at your GP’s surgery who you can contact for health advice. You can also call the Australian Government’s Health Direct on 1800 022 222. Some state and territory governments provide 24-hour nurse-on-call, maternal-and-child-health or parent helplines, too. Find out whether there's one in your area on the Australian Institute of Family Studies website.

More information

• The Poisons Information Centre provides information and advice if you or your child has been poisoned, or bitten or stung by a venomous animal. You can call the 24-hour advice line on 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia, and you’ll be connected to your state or territory’s service.
• The Red Cross First Aid app can help you brush up on your first-aid skills or guide you through an emergency.
• Find out more about meningitis in toddlers and preschoolers.