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When to Call Us – Babies 3 to 8 Weeks

Fever

Call us immediately if your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Fever in a new baby can be a sign of serious illness.

Breathing problems

  • Rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute)
  • Sunken ribs (moving inward toward the chest)
  • Flared nostrils
  • Wheezing or grunting
  • Bluish skin color
  • Frequent coughing

Digestive problems

  • Hard or swollen belly
  • Diarrhea or hard stools (poop)
  • Urinating less often (fewer than 6 to 10 wet diapers in 24 hours)
  • Bloody or colorless stools

Feeding problems

  • Forceful vomiting after feeding (not just spitting up)
  • Problems breastfeeding that interfere with feeding
  • Too sleepy or fussy to eat (misses 2 or more feedings)
  • Choking, gagging, or coughing during feedings

Umbilical cord problems

  • Umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off yet

Skin problems

  • Yellow color to baby’s skin that’s getting worse
  • New rash that concerns you

Behavior

Your baby:

  • Seems floppy or hard to wake up
  • Rarely moves arms or legs, seems stiff
  • Cries for more than 3 hours and cannot be comforted

General concerns about your baby

Anytime you feel your baby is looking or acting sick and you are concerned, call us. We’re here for you.

Parent’s symptoms

  • Are unable to cope with crying or lack of sleep
  • Don’t feel able to take care of baby
  • Feeling little interest or pleasure in doing things
  • Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
  • Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Additional References

Disclaimer

If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.