Going to the ER with My Baby - What to Bring
The short answer
When heading to the ER with your baby, bring essentials: insurance card, your baby's medication list, diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, feeding supplies (bottles, formula, or nursing cover), a pacifier, a comfort item, and a phone charger. If possible, bring a list of your baby's symptoms including when they started, any medications given, and relevant medical history. ER visits can involve long waits, so bring items to keep your baby comfortable. If your baby's condition is life-threatening, call 911 instead of driving.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Any fever over 100.4F (38C) in a baby under 3 months warrants an immediate ER visit. Bring breast pump supplies, bottles, formula, diapers, and a change of clothes for both you and baby. Expect a thorough workup that may include blood tests, urine collection, and possibly a lumbar puncture. Triage nurses prioritize young febrile infants, so you may be seen relatively quickly.
Common ER visits at this age include breathing difficulties, high fevers, and injuries. Bring a written or phone note of symptoms and timeline. Bring your baby's immunization record if available (or know which vaccines they have had). Pack extra diapers - ER visits often take longer than expected. A familiar blanket or toy provides comfort in the unfamiliar environment.
Bring safe snacks and drinks if your baby eats solids (unless told not to eat or drink). A sippy cup or bottle is essential. Bring a stroller or baby carrier for comfort and containment in the waiting area. Have your pediatrician's contact information handy - the ER may want to coordinate with them.
Active toddlers in an ER can be challenging. Bring books, a tablet with downloaded shows, or small quiet toys. Bring a favorite comfort object. Dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing in case they need to change into a hospital gown. Pack snacks that are easy to eat one-handed while holding your child.
Explain in simple terms where you are going: "We are going to see a special doctor who will help you feel better." Bring entertainment for what could be a long wait. Ask the nurse for pain medication if your child is uncomfortable while waiting. Do not hesitate to speak up if your child's condition is worsening while in the waiting area.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Long wait times for non-emergent conditions (ER visits are triaged by severity)
- Multiple tests being ordered to figure out what is wrong
- Being observed for several hours before being sent home
- Feeling stressed and overwhelmed as a parent during the ER visit
- Your baby's condition seems to be worsening while waiting
- You have information about your baby's medical history that the team should know
- You are unsure whether to follow up with your pediatrician or return to the ER
- Call 911 for: difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, seizures, severe bleeding, or if you suspect poisoning
- Do not drive to the ER if your baby stops breathing or becomes unresponsive - call 911 immediately
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Medical Concerns
Should I Take My Baby to Urgent Care or the ER?
The decision between urgent care and the emergency room depends on the severity of your baby's condition. The ER is for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening conditions: difficulty breathing, high fever in babies under 3 months, seizures, severe dehydration, serious injuries, or altered consciousness. Pediatric urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening but time-sensitive issues: ear infections, mild croup, minor injuries, rashes, moderate fevers in babies over 3 months, or when your pediatrician is unavailable. When in doubt, call your pediatrician first or go to the ER.
My Baby Needs to Be Hospitalized - How to Prepare
Having your baby hospitalized is stressful, but being prepared helps. Bring comfort items from home (favorite blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier), diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, and your baby's regular feeding supplies. You will typically be able to stay with your baby 24/7, and a parent cot or chair will be provided. Ask the care team to explain each procedure and test. You are an essential part of your baby's care team and your presence provides crucial comfort and emotional support.
Can I Use Telehealth for My Baby's Pediatric Visit?
Telehealth (video or phone visits with your pediatrician) can be a convenient and effective option for many baby-related concerns. It works well for: rash evaluation, mild illness assessment, feeding and sleep questions, behavior concerns, medication questions, and follow-up visits. It is NOT appropriate for emergencies, high fevers in young infants, breathing difficulty, or any condition requiring a physical examination. Telehealth is best used as a complement to in-person care, not a replacement for it.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.