Pediatrician Dr. Stephanie Grice explains when parents should call the doctor, when a fever is concerning, signs of dehydration, and how to know when a sick child needs medical care. How do you know when your sick child needs to see the doctor? It's one of the most common questions parents ask. Whether your child wakes up with a fever, develops a rash, starts vomiting, or simply seems "off," it can be difficult to know when to call the pediatrician, when to wait it out at home, and when immediate medical attention is needed. In this final installment of our Summer Pediatrician Series, Allison welcomes back pediatrician Dr. Stephanie Grice to help parents navigate childhood illnesses with greater confidence. Dr. Grice explains how pediatricians think about fevers, dehydration, respiratory illnesses, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and other common childhood symptoms. She also shares practical advice for determining when symptoms can be monitored at home versus when it's time to schedule a sick visit, head to urgent care, or seek emergency medical attention. Whether you're caring for a newborn, toddler, school-aged child, or teen, this conversation will help you feel more prepared the next time illness strikes your household. In This Episode, You'll Learn: When to call the pediatrician for a sick child When a fever is cause for concern Signs of dehydration in babies and children When vomiting and diarrhea require medical attention How pediatricians evaluate respiratory illnesses When a rash should be checked by a healthcare provider The difference between a sick visit, urgent care visit, and emergency room visit How to monitor symptoms at home Why your child's behavior often matters more than the thermometer reading How to trust your parental instincts when your child is sick Chapter Markers 02:00 The Most Common Question Parents Ask: Does My Child Need to See the Doctor? 04:30 When to Call the Pediatrician vs. Wait It Out 08:15 Understanding Fevers in Babies and Children 12:00 When Is a Fever an Emergency? 15:00 Signs of Dehydration in Children 18:30 Vomiting and Diarrhea: When to Be Concerned 22:00 Respiratory Illnesses, Coughs, and Breathing Concerns 26:30 RSV, Viruses, and Common Childhood Illnesses 29:00 When Should a Rash Be Evaluated? 31:45 Sick Visit, Urgent Care, or Emergency Room? 34:30 Trusting Your Parenting Instincts When Your Child Is Sick Resources Mentioned Episode 246. [ENCORE] Making The Most of Your Child's Well Visit with Dr. Stephanie Grice - Summer Pediatrician Series #1 Episode 247. [ENCORE] Understanding the Growth Chart with Dr. Stephanie Grice - Summer Pediatrician Series #2 Episode 43. Every Breastfeeding & Feeding Journey is Unique with Dr. Stephanie Grice Connect with Dr. Grice on Instagram or her website Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube