Is this your child’s symptom?
- How infections and other serious diseases can present in newborns
Why Newborns Need to be Watched Closely
- Newborns are at higher risk for infections. Infections may present at any time during the first month. Watch your baby carefully for signs of illness. This is especially crucial during the first 7 days of life.
- Newborns that get a blood infection (sepsis) can get very sick quickly.
- The symptoms of serious illness in newborns can be subtle. The question below deals with sick newborns:
- “Age under 1 month old (newborn) and starts to look or act abnormal in any way.” Look for this question in the “Call Your Doctor Now” section. It is listed in at least 10 topics.
- Feeding is the one reliable measure of a newborn’s well-being. Newborns should be eating machines. If your baby isn’t feeding well, call your baby’s doctor. Also, call if your baby has an abrupt change in his feeding pattern. (Exception: never a good feeder, but takes enough milk and nothing has changed).
- If how your baby looks or acts changes and it’s not normal, call now. Don’t wait to call your baby’s doctor for expert advice.
When to Call Us for Newborn Illness – How to Recognize
Call 911 Now
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
| Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
| Self Care at Home
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Care Advice for Newborns Without Signs of Illness
- 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
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.