Bringing a newborn home is one of the most exciting — and nerve-wracking — experiences of your life. Babies can't tell you what's wrong, so knowing what to watch for can make all the difference.
Here are 10 signs your newborn may be sick and what to do about each one.
1. Fever (or Low Temperature): A rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Call your doctor immediately. Equally concerning is a temperature below 97°F — both signal your baby's body is struggling to regulate.
2. Unusual Crying: All babies cry, but a high-pitched, inconsolable cry that sounds different from their normal cry can signal pain or illness. Trust your instincts — you know your baby's sounds.
3. Difficulty Breathing: Watch for flared nostrils, rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), or a bluish tint around the lips or fingertips. These are emergency signs — call 911.
4. Poor Feeding: If your baby suddenly refuses to eat or is feeding significantly less than usual for more than one feeding, it's worth a call to your pediatrician.
5. Lethargy or Limpness: A newborn who is unusually difficult to wake, limp, or unresponsive needs immediate medical attention.
6. Vomiting (Not Just Spitting Up): Spitting up is normal. Forceful vomiting — especially if it's projectile or contains blood — is not. This can indicate a serious digestive issue.
7. Changes in Skin Color: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) is common in the first week but should be monitored. A grayish or bluish color anywhere on the body is an emergency.
8. Fewer Wet Diapers: Newborns should have at least 6 wet diapers per day after the first few days. Fewer than that can signal dehydration.
9. Swollen Belly: A hard, distended abdomen — especially if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in a while — can indicate a blockage or other issue.
10. Rash or Skin Changes: Some rashes are harmless, but a purple or red spotted rash that doesn't fade when pressed can be a sign of a serious infection.
When in doubt, call your doctor. No pediatrician will fault you for checking in — that's what they're there for.
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