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Although I wouldn't have called back to make another appointment unless there was a drastic change--you know your baby better than anyone (and better than your MIL), I think you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable and at ease.

Will the pediatrician think you're neurotic? Could be, but he's most likely used to it.

Our pediatric nurses are awesome. This was something that our doc told me very early on was that I should never be afraid to call and talk to the nurses and that I will likely get to know them better than I know the doc. I usually can run over the issues with the nurse and get advice on what I should do next or if it warrants a visit.

I've learned that I need to ask a lot of questions of the doctor as a reminder that I don't know everything. In this case when the doc told you it would last 5-7 days, I've learned to ask about what I should expect as far as progression in that time period and what I need to do next or if it persists beyond the time period.

And I think the doctor and staff are generally pretty understanding of first time parent nuerosis.

as the daughter of a pediatrician, i can tell you the dr may or may not think you are being neurotic, but he won't care, and he's totally used to it. It's his job! and he'd rather you be a bit neurotic than miss something major, because sometimes it's hard to tell which way a cold is going. I would think you should just clarify with him what you should expect (how long until it gets better, when should you worry) so that you know what's normal and what's cause for concern. you could probably have just had a quick phone call with the doc rather than bringing your LO back in, but i wouldn't stress over it!

@Meggo5: I am lucky enough that my dad is a NP. When ever I get worried about DS, I run it by him before calling the ped. When we lived across the state from my dad I called the doc a lot. I am sure they were tired of me but I just remind myself I know my child best.

The cough isn't a big deal. I advise parents to return when the baby isn't making normal wet diapers because they are not able to eat enough to stay hydrated or respiratory distress (head bobbing, nasal flaring, retractions)... And then say if there are warning bells going off in your head that you can't put a finger on, give us a call. But you don't want to be admitted to the hospital if you can help it!

You know your baby best, so try to follow your own gut. My MIL makes a big deal about everything with the kids and tries to make me to give them tylenol for a runny nose.....say what? For colds, we really just ride it out and try to keep them comfortable. If there's a drastic change in their ability to eat or sleep, they get a really high fever, or there are signs of having trouble breathing, we'd call the ped. But I was totally a mess the first time my kids got sick too