What To Do When Your Child Is Sick

Every parent has had the night. The night your little one won't sleep because of a fever. They're fussy and uncomfortable; you're exhausted and worried. Sleep deprivation makes it hard to think straight, but here’s one thing you do know: This fever could disrupt your entire week.

Babies & toddlers get sick... a lot.

Babies and young children catch between 6-10 colds each year, and fevers are the most common reason parents take their children to the doctor, urgent care, and emergency room. Lots of thoughts run through your mind when you first notice they're getting sick:

• Is it an ear infection? Teething? A Cold?
• When should I call the doctor's office?
• What's the Tylenol dose again?
• Is it contagious?
• Do I have to call off work….again?
• How many days of school or daycare are we going to miss?
• I wish there were a way to just know what's happening.

If your home medicine cabinet only has a thermometer and medication inside, consider adding a home otoscope. It’s a simple but powerful tool that empowers you to make informed decisions about how the next few days play out.

 Having a tool I know how to use on hand offers peace of mind…helping to figure out the cause is both empowering and comforting. Grateful Deebo allows me to do just that! – Parker W.

What does a fever mean anyway?

Fevers are a temporary increase in body temperature, most often associated with illnesses like ear infections and colds. Temperature increases can also happen for other reasons, like when your little one starts teething. The thermometer reading is important, but your pediatrician will be just as interested in your little one's behavior, appetite, and other symptoms.

For example, if your toddler wakes up with a fever of 101°F but is playing, drinking, and eating normally, you'll likely be told to watch her and see how the next few days play out.

On the other hand, if the thermometer reading has hovered between 99°F-100°F for a few days, and your toddler refuses to eat or drink and is difficult to console, it's time to call your pediatrician for further guidance.

But what if there was a simple way to be better informed before you call the doc?

What's Causing the Fever? Investigate with an Otoscope

The thermometer gives you a number to report when you call the doctor. Everything else is based on your powers of observation. Things like when the fever started, how much your little one is eating, and the last time you changed the diaper are all important data you can see and report.

The Deebo otoscope is a simple but powerful tool you can use to see inside your child's ears, nose, and throat. It will give you even more information to guide what you do next.

The Deebo otoscope helps you screen for:

• Ear infections
• Colds
• Sore throat
• Teething

Once you finish your home exam, you're better informed about what to do next. For example, suppose you are concerned about an ear infection or something else you saw. In that case, you call the doctor's office to determine the next steps.

I can check my child's body and have an early indication of what’s going on. It’s the peace of mind I didn’t know that I needed!

On the other hand….If your child's ears look normal, but the gumline is bright red where a tooth is about to break through, your otoscope just saved you from booking a pointless doctor's visit. So break out the teething rings and get ready to comfort your little one.

Check out Deebo's guidebook to common childhood health concerns you can investigate with an otoscope.

Keep track of your child’s symptoms

Find a pen and paper or open a new note on your phone. It's easy to forget dates and times, especially when your little one is sick and you're sleep deprived. Use the note to jot down:

• Symptoms (When they started, what makes them better or worse)
• Behavior
• Medications (what you use, when you give it, and how they respond)
• How much your child is eating and drinking
• When they use the toilet or have a wet diaper
• What you saw during your Deebo otoscope ear, nose, and throat exam

Keeping track of everything makes it so much easier to answer your pediatrician's questions during a visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an excellent resource for more detailed information on fevers and potential red flags.

Here's the thing. The thermometer's not the only medical tool you should have at home. Give yourself peace of mind by adding a Deebo Otoscope. It’s easy to use and will give you the power to see what your doctor sees. You’ll make smarter, more empowered decisions about your child's health needs.

Sign up today so you know when Deebo is ready to launch!