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