6 signs your child should go to the ER

A sick child can be a scary thing—especially for new parents. Everything from bumps and bruises to nagging coughs can send you and your little one to the emergency room—and you aren’t alone. Nearly 25.5 million visits to the ER were reported for children under 18 in 2010, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Many times, a quick call to the pediatrician can calm your fears, but when these 6 signs and symptoms strike, it may be time to make a trip to the hospital.

Medically reviewed in June 2019.