I am a paediatrician: 5 things I never do when my child is sick

When a child falls sick, panic can lead parents to make decisions that may do more harm than good. A pediatrician shares the five things she never does and the science-backed approach she follows instead.

In Short

• Most childhood fevers, colds and coughs are viral, not antibiotic cases
• Fast breathing, chest retractions and bluish lips demand urgent medical attention
• Home remedies may comfort children but should not replace warning sign evaluation

Editor’s Note: In this fortnightly column, top doctors share how they deal with their own health challenges, offering readers expert insight grounded in experience. Read more such stories here.

As a paediatrician, I spend much of my time caring for sick children and helping anxious parents navigate everything from fevers and coughs to more serious illnesses.

Over the years, I have answered countless questions about what parents should do when their child is unwell. But one question I often hear is: "What do you do when your own child gets sick?"

The answer surprises many people. I do not follow any secret treatment plan or special parenting strategy. In fact, I rely on the same evidence-based advice that I give to families every day. When emotions run high and your child is uncomfortable, it can be tempting to try every remedy available or rush into treatments that may not be necessary.

However, experience has taught me that staying calm, observing, and focusing on proven medical practices often works best.

Many common childhood illnesses, such as colds, viral fevers, sore throats, and coughs, improve with time, rest, hydration, and appropriate symptom management. At the same time, it is important to recognise warning signs that require medical attention.

As both a doctor and a parent, there are certain things I deliberately avoid when my child is sick because they can lead to unnecessary complications or delay proper treatment.

Here are five things I never do when my child is unwell.

I NEVER GIVE ANTIBIOTICS FOR EVERY FEVER, COLD OR COUGH

One of the most common misconceptions among parents is that antibiotics are needed whenever a child develops a fever, cough, or cold. In reality, most childhood illnesses are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viral infections.

When my child develops symptoms of a common viral illness, I do not rush to start antibiotics. Instead, I focus on supportive care. This includes ensuring adequate fluids, encouraging rest, monitoring symptoms, and using fever-relief medicines when needed and advised.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach upset, and allergic reactions. More importantly, it contributes to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health concern that can make future bacterial infections harder to treat.

I NEVER IGNORE BREATHING PROBLEMS OR SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

While many childhood illnesses can be managed at home, certain symptoms should never be ignored.

If my child starts breathing rapidly, appears to be struggling for breath, has chest retractions, makes unusual breathing sounds, or develops bluish lips or skin, I will seek medical help immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious respiratory problem that requires urgent attention.

I am equally cautious about dehydration. Children can lose fluids quickly during illnesses, especially if they have fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Warning signs include a very dry mouth, reduced urination, unusual drowsiness, sunken eyes, or difficulty drinking fluids.

Recognising these red flags early can prevent a manageable illness from becoming a medical emergency.

I NEVER DEPEND ON UNPROVEN HOME REMEDIES WHEN WARNING SIGNS ARE PRESENT

Home remedies are deeply rooted in many cultures, and some simple measures can provide comfort. For example, saline nasal drops may help relieve nasal congestion, humidified air can ease breathing discomfort, and honey may soothe a cough in children older than one year.

However, I never allow home remedies to replace medical evaluation when concerned symptoms are present.

Many products marketed as "natural" are not necessarily safe for children. Certain essential oils may cause breathing problems or accidental poisoning if used incorrectly. Some herbal preparations can interact with medicines or cause unexpected side effects.

Whenever my child is sick, I choose treatments that have scientific evidence behind them and consult a healthcare professional before trying something new.

I NEVER CHASE A PERFECT TEMPERATURE

Few things worry parents more than seeing a high fever on a thermometer. Yet fever itself is not always the enemy. In many cases, it is simply a sign that the body's immune system is responding to an infection.

When my child has a fever, I focus less on the number and more on how they are feeling overall. Are they drinking fluids? Are they alert? Are they responding normally? Are they comfortable?

I use fever-reducing medications when necessary to improve comfort, following the correct weight-based dosage recommendations. However, I do not use aggressive methods such as ice baths, cold-water sponging, or excessive layering of clothes in an attempt to bring the temperature down rapidly.

A child's overall condition matters far more than achieving a "normal" thermometer reading.

I NEVER IGNORE MY PARENTAL INSTINCTS

Medical training provides knowledge and experience, but parenting teaches another valuable lesson: parents often notice subtle changes before anyone else.

Even as a paediatrician, if I feel that something about my child's illness does not seem right, I trust that feeling. Perhaps the symptoms are lasting longer than expected, my child is unusually lethargic, or their behaviour has changed in a way that concerns me.

Parents know their children better than anyone. If something feels different or worrying, it is important to seek medical advice rather than dismiss those concerns.

Many serious illnesses are identified early because a parent recognised that their child's condition was not following the usual pattern.

When my child gets sick, I keep my approach simple and practical. I focus on hydration, adequate rest, symptom relief, and close observation. I avoid unnecessary antibiotics, pay attention to warning signs, rely on evidence-based treatments, do not panic over every fever, and trust my instincts when something seems unusual.

No parent can completely protect a child from illness. However, informed decisions can make a significant difference in helping children recover safely and comfortably.

Often, the most powerful tools parents have are patience, observation, and knowing when it is time to seek professional medical care.

(Dr Poonam Sidana is Director of Neonatology and Paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital , Delhi)

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