Newborn Illness - How to Recognize

When To Call

Call 911 Now

• Can't wake up
• Not moving or very weak
• New moaning or grunting noises with each breath
• Bluish (or gray) lips, tongue or face now
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Go to ER Now

• Vomiting bile (green color)
• Change in muscle tone (decreased or floppy)
• Decreased movement
• Weak suck or can't suck for very long
• Change in cry, such as weak cry or strange cry

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Any symptoms of illness such as coughing, diarrhea or vomiting
• Changes in feeding. Signs are having to wake up for feeds or can't finish feeds.
• Sweating during feedings
• Sleeping more than normal
• Change in color (such as pale, bluish or gray arms and legs)
• Soft spot on top of head looks swollen
• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Low temperature less than 96.8° F (36.0° C) rectally that does not go up with warming
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Urine color is pink, orange or peach
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent. Child has none of the urgent symptoms listed above.
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Your baby is feeding, moving and sleeping normally
• There are no signs of illness
• Your newborn is well

Care Advice

What You Should Know About Newborn Illness:

• Based on this review, your baby doesn't have any signs of illness right now.
• The symptoms of serious illness in newborns can be subtle. Watch your baby carefully for signs of illness. If how your baby looks or acts changes and it's not normal, call now.
• During the early weeks of life, careful watching is always the best approach.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your baby has a fever
• Your baby has any symptoms of illness
• Your baby starts to look or act abnormal in any way
• You think your child needs to be seen

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.