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Newborn Illness - How to Recognize  
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Does this describe your child's symptoms?
Definition
  • This guideline covers the subtle ways that infection and other serious diseases can present in newborns (birth through 30 days)

Why Newborns Need to be Observed Closely

  • Newborns are at increased risk for infections, especially during the first 7 days of life.
  • Newborns who develop bloodstream infections (sepsis) can deteriorate rapidly.
  • The symptoms of serious illness in newborns can be subtle and atypical. That is why the statement "Age under 1 month old (newborn) and starts to look or act abnormal in any way" is found in the "Call Your Doctor Now" section of at least 10 topics.
  • Feeding behavior is the one universal and reliable measure of a newborn’s well being.  Newborns should be vigorous eating-machines. If your baby has an abrupt change in his feeding pattern or isn't feeding well, call your baby's doctor. (EXCEPTION: never a vigorous feeder, but takes adequate amounts and nothing has changed).
  • If your newborn's appearance or behavior changes and you think it's abnormal, don't hesitate to call your baby's doctor now for expert advice.
If not, see these topics
When to Call Your Doctor
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
  • Unresponsive or difficult to awaken
  • Not moving or very weak
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
  • Overt symptoms of any illness including vomiting (especially any bile - yellow or green), diarrhea, or cough
  • Poor feeding behavior or a sudden change in feeding behavior (has to be repeatedly awakened to feed or can't stay awake for feedings)
  • Poor suck or inability to sustain sucking or feeding
  • Sweating during feedings
  • Sleeping excessively (EXCEPTION: normally you have to awaken for feeds, but your baby is easy to arouse, alert for feedings and nothing has changed)
  • Change in muscle tone (decreased or floppy)
  • Decreased activity or movement
  • Change in color (i.e., pale, bluish or gray arms and legs)
  • Fever above 100.4° F (38.0° C) rectally (Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen)
  • Low temperature below 96.8° F (36.0° C) rectally
  • Unusual crying, moaning, grunting
  • You think your baby needs to be seen urgently
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
  • You think your baby needs to be seen, but not urgently and has none of the urgent symptoms listed above
  • You have other questions or concerns
Parent Care at Home If
  • Your baby is feeding and sleeping normally and you don't think your child needs to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NEWBORNS WITHOUT SIGNS OF ILLNESS
  1. Reassurance: Based on this review, your baby does not have any signs of illness at this time. Nonetheless, careful observation during the early weeks of life is always the best approach.
  2. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Your baby starts to look or act abnormal in any way

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/15/2011

Last Revised: 8/1/2011

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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