When deciding whether to go to the ER or urgent care for your baby, consider the severity of the injury and the level of care required.

Emergency Room (ER): The ER is the appropriate choice for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, severe injuries, high fever in young infants, seizures, severe allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness. ERs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making them accessible anytime, including holidays and weekends.

Urgent Care: Urgent care centers are suitable for non-life-threatening but time-sensitive medical issues, such as minor injuries, mild to moderate fever, earaches, coughs, colds, rashes, and minor cuts that may require stitches. It's proportionate to use urgent care as a substitute for a primary care doctor or pediatrician but never as a substitute for an actual emergency. Urgent care facilities often offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, providing a convenient option when your regular pediatrician's office is closed.