Newborn Illness - How to Recognize

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 sick in any way" is found in the "Call Your Doctor Now" section of at least 10 topics.
  • 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.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

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
  • Sleeping excessively
  • A sudden change in feeding behavior (has to be repeatedly awakened to nurse or can't stay awake for feedings)
  • Inability to sustain sucking or nursing
  • Sweating during feedings
  • 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

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If
  • Your baby is not acting sick and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NEWBORNS WITHOUT SIGNS OF ILLNESS

  1. Reassurance: While your baby does not have any signs of illness at this time, 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 sick 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: 8/3/2007

Last Revised: 11/11/2006

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Copyright 1994-2007 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
 
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