February 19, 1999

It is 2 a.m. and your infant is screaming. Maybe he's just being fussy; you'd like to consult a medical guide before waking up your pediatrician. Try "SOS," a guide that lists 24 common childhood illnesses, from allergic reactions to the flu. Sponsored by the cable channel America's Health Network, its help, prepared by board-certified pediatricians, guides worried parents through a series of steps to determine whether a child's complaints warrant a trip to the emergency room, a call to the pediatrician or just some home care. Like most baby books, this is a good place for Dr. Mom to refer for quick advice. But when in doubt, a call to your baby's doc is always the best strategy.
—
Hope Katz Gibbs hopegibbs@earthlink.net