--- title: Is My Child Okay? When to Go to the ER and When to Wait description: When to take your child into the ER image: https://info.summusglobal.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-03-16T115843.007-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/is-my-child-okay-when-to-go-to-the-er-and-when-to-wait#main-content) [![Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Summus_logos/summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png?width=200&height=37&name=summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png "Summus")](https://www.summusglobal.com/) [Log In](https://app.summusglobal.com/Login) March 18, 2026 # Is My Child Okay? When to Go to the ER and When to Wait ![Picture of Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/summus2023_logomark_600.png?width=50&name=summus2023_logomark_600.png) [Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/summus) [Share this page on Facebook](mailto:?body=https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/is-my-child-okay-when-to-go-to-the-er-and-when-to-wait) ![Copy of Blog Header Image\_1200x400 - 2026-03-16T115843.007-1](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-03-16T115843.007-1.png?width=960&height=320&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-03-16T115843.007-1.png) Every parent has been there: your child is sick or hurt, and you're not sure what to do. This guide helps you make that call quickly and confidently. *Summus is not an emergency medical service. If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 first or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not call Summus first.* --- ## Go to the ER Right Away **Call 911 or go to the ER immediately for any of the following. Do not wait.** ### Infants (Up to 12 Months) - **Fever with age:** Any fever in a baby under 3 months old - go in immediately, even if they seem okay - **No wet diaper in 8 hours:** This is a sign of serious dehydration - **Fever over 104°F:** At any age, take your child in immediately - **Breathing problems:** Noisy breathing, wheezing, grunting, gasping, or breathing very fast - **Blue or pale color:** Around the lips, fingernails, or tongue - **Floppy or unresponsive:** Baby is limp, unusually still, or won't wake up for feedings - **Seizures:** Rhythmic jerking, stiffening of the body, or "staring spells" where baby seems frozen - **Falls:** Any fall from a height or direct blow to the head, especially if followed by vomiting, loss of consciousness, or a change in behavior - **Burns:** Any burn involving the hands, feet, or face, or any burn larger than the size of your child's palm - **Severe allergic reaction:** Swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, hives spreading quickly, especially after eating a new food or exposure to a known allergen ### Children (1 Year and Older) - **Fever over 104°F** - **Breathing problems:** Wheezing, grunting, gasping, ribs showing with each breath, or lips turning blue - **Seizures:** Any seizure, especially a first-time seizure or one lasting more than 5 minutes - **Head injuries:** Any fall from a height or blow to the head followed by vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, or unusual sleepiness - **Severe belly pain:** Especially if it comes on suddenly, is in the lower right side, or the child won't let you touch their stomach - **Burns:** Hands, feet, face, or large areas of the body - **Severe allergic reaction:** Trouble breathing or swallowing, throat tightening, face swelling, especially after eating something they're allergic to - **Dehydration:** No urination in 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying, extreme tiredness - **Stiff neck with fever:** Could be a sign of meningitis - do not wait --- ## Call or Visit Your Pediatrician During Regular Hours These situations need a doctor's attention but are not emergencies. Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment, or call your pediatrician's nurse line - most practices have one available after hours. ### Infants (Up to 12 Months) - **Fever in babies over 3 months** who are acting and eating normally - **Mild digestive issues:** Occasional vomiting or diarrhea, but still having wet diapers and eating normally - **Congestion or mild cough:** Baby is still eating and sleeping reasonably well, breathing normally - **Ear tugging:** Especially after a recent cold, which can signal an ear infection - **New or spreading rash** that is not accompanied by breathing trouble or fever - **Feeding concerns:** You're worried they're not eating enough, or have questions about breastfeeding or formula - **Growth questions:** You have concerns about weight gain - **Development:** Baby isn't reaching milestones like rolling, sitting, or responding to sounds ### Children (1 Year and Older) - **Fever that has lasted more than 3 days** in a child who is otherwise acting like themselves - **Ear pain:** Child is pulling at ears or complaining of pain, especially after a cold - **Mild digestive issues:** Vomiting or diarrhea that isn't severe, child is still drinking fluids - **Cough or cold:** Mild congestion, runny nose, low-grade fever - child is still eating and drinking - **New or spreading rash** without other serious symptoms - **Seasonal allergies:** Recurring sneezing, itchy eyes, or runny nose that follows a pattern - **Minor food reactions:** Upset stomach after a specific food (not a severe reaction) - **Sleep problems:** Trouble falling asleep, frequent night waking, nightmares - **Behavioral concerns:** Unusual fussiness, separation anxiety, mood changes - **Development questions:** Concerns about speech, walking, social skills, or hitting milestones - **School or learning concerns:** Trouble focusing, reading difficulties, social challenges --- ## Not Sure What to Do? Ask Summus. If your child is sick or hurt and you're not sure what to do, **[Summus is available](http://summusglobal.com/dashboard)** to help you think it through. A dedicated doctor can review the situation, explain your options, and point you to the right next step. > *Summus does not provide emergency medical services. If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Do not call Summus first.* *\*Medically reviewed by Dr. Nancy Creech, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus* > **Questions?**   1-917-565-8540  |  [partners@summusglobal.com](mailto:partners@summusglobal.com)  |  [http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard](http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard) [Clinical Guidance](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/clinical-guidance), [Pediatrics](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/pediatrics), [Pediatrics & Adolescence](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/pediatrics-adolescence), [Family Medicine](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/family-medicine), [Health Navigation](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/health-navigation) ## Related posts [![](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-03-16T115402.826.png?height=200&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-03-16T115402.826.png)](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/when-to-call-when-to-go-a-health-guide-for-you-and-your-family) [Clinical Guidance](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/clinical-guidance), [Family Medicine](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/family-medicine), [Health Navigation](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/health-navigation) ## [When to Call, When to Go: A Health Guide for You and Your Family](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/when-to-call-when-to-go-a-health-guide-for-you-and-your-family) ![Picture of Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/summus2023_logomark_600.png?width=50&name=summus2023_logomark_600.png) [Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/summus) March 18, 2026 Taking care of your health can feel confusing. 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