How do you know when to worry when DC's are ill?

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

10mo DD is ill today, temp of 39, very listless and sleepy but has drunk her usual morning milk. I've obviously kept her away from nursery and taken a day off work and have booked her a doctor's appointment for this afternoon.

It's struck me that apart from the well-publicised danger signs of meningitis or similar that I don't really know when I should be worrying - is it temperature, behaviour, or do you just go on general instinct? When would you go to the doctors or A and E?

I'd be really grateful if any more experienced mums would tell me what your flags are for taking action or being worried?

Thanks

Hi,
I think a combination of instinct, past experience of your child and obvious red flags. Drinking is def a good sign - the only time one of my kids has been seriously ill he wouldn't eat or drink anything.
Temperature I think depends on your child. I have one who regularly spikes temperatures of 40/41 - so these days that wouldn't be a red flag with him. If one of the others developed that sort of temperature though I'd be more concerned.
I think not drinking is always a cause for concern as babies/toddlers can dehydrate very quickly. Being sleepy/listless is OK, being floppy/vacant is more worrying.
If your DD hasn't had something like this before it's well worth getting checked over as you are doing - as she gets bigger and has more infections/viruses etc you'll probably find you get a feel for when you need medical attention and when you just need to ride it out. That said, my docs have always stressed that if in doubt go and see them (and I've been through phases of going to see them A LOT with 3 little kids, one of whom is asthmatic).
Hope your DD is better soon.

If it is your first child, I don't think you do know when to worry or not to worry - so it's best to err on the side of caution and get medical advice. I think it is only with time and experience that you form your own benchmark.

It's a bit like starting a new job and not knowing straight away what is important - there's just a bit of a learning curve.

Hope she's better soon.