Keeping a symptom diary
Whether it’s a painful bout of constipation or bringing up feeds, when your baby’s not feeling their best it can be really distressing. You want to do everything you can to get them better as quickly as possible.
Keeping a diary of your baby’s symptoms and when they occur is a practical step you can take that’s often recommended by healthcare professionals. Not only will it give you a clearer understanding of what the problem is, it will also make it easier to monitor whether their symptoms are improving or not.
How to keep a symptom diary
To make it easier for you, we’ve created a free, downloadable symptom diary to help you make a note of the information your GP will want to know.
If you prefer, you could also keep a diary of your baby’s symptoms on your phone, or in a notebook.
Each time the symptoms occur, remember to make a quick note of:
- The date and time.
- A description of the symptoms.
- How long the symptoms lasted.
- What you did to alleviate the symptoms.
Why is my baby showing symptoms?
There are many reasons why your baby could not be feeling well at times – from various bugs going around to allergies or intolerances. They may also need some time to adapt to any recent changes you might have made to their usual diet.
When should I take my baby to the doctor?
If your baby’s symptoms don’t clear up, book an appointment with your GP and remember to take your symptom diary with you – the notes you’ve made will help you explain the history of your baby’s illness and will help your GP determine the best course of action.
While posseting and stool changes are normal, you know your baby best and if there's anything unusual or different about their symptoms, it's worth discussing any concerns you have with a healthcare professional.
If you think your baby’s showing signs of a serious illness, get medical help as soon as possible.
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