The first few weeks with your newborn are a time of excitement, learning, and adjustment. As you bond with your baby and learn their cues, it’s essential to be aware of any signs that might indicate something is wrong with their health. Newborns can’t communicate their discomfort directly, so being vigilant and knowing what to look for can help ensure your baby stays safe and healthy.
Here’s a list of common health warning signs in newborns that every parent should watch out for:
1. Fever
A fever (a body temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C) is one of the most concerning symptoms in newborns. It can indicate an infection, which is more serious in babies under 2 months old. If your baby has a fever, you should call a doctor immediately, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
What to do:
- Take your baby’s temperature using a digital thermometer under their armpit or rectally (which is more accurate in infants).
- Call a doctor if their temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C).
2. Difficulty Breathing
If your newborn seems to be struggling to breathe, is breathing rapidly, or you notice flaring nostrils, grunting, or bluish skin (especially around the lips or face), it’s important to get medical help right away. Difficulty breathing can indicate respiratory distress or infection.
What to do:
- Call 911 or your doctor immediately if your baby is having trouble breathing.
- Look for signs of labored breathing, like chest retractions or grunting.
3. Excessive Vomiting
While spitting up is common in newborns, forceful vomiting (projectile vomiting) or vomiting large amounts of milk can indicate a problem like pyloric stenosis, a condition where the opening between the stomach and small intestine narrows. Vomiting with blood or bile is also a concern.
What to do:
- Call your pediatrician if vomiting occurs multiple times a day or if it’s forceful.
- Look for other signs like poor weight gain, dehydration, or unusual fussiness.
4. Lethargy or Unusual Drowsiness
Newborns do sleep a lot, but if your baby is excessively drowsy, difficult to wake, or seems overly lethargic and weak, it may signal an underlying issue like an infection or low blood sugar. A baby who is not responding to normal stimuli should be evaluated.
What to do:
- Gently try to wake your baby to see if they respond.
- Contact your doctor if your baby is hard to wake or unresponsive.
5. Poor Feeding or Trouble Latching
If your newborn is consistently refusing to feed, struggling to latch, or seems unusually fussy during or after feedings, it might indicate a medical issue such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an infection, or problems with breastfeeding.
What to do:
- Monitor feeding patterns closely.
- Seek advice from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if your baby is struggling with feedings.
6. Yellowing Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
It’s common for newborns to have a slight yellowish tint to their skin and eyes in the first few days of life, but jaundice(a more pronounced yellowing) that develops after the first few days can be a sign of liver problems or other health concerns. Jaundice that worsens after a few days needs to be addressed.
What to do:
- Check your baby’s skin and eyes for any yellow tint.
- Contact your pediatrician if jaundice seems to be getting worse or lasts beyond the first week.
7. Rash or Skin Color Changes
Newborns can have a variety of skin rashes (like baby acne or cradle cap), but a red, blotchy rash that’s spreading or doesn’t go away may require medical attention. A rash accompanied by fever, blisters, or skin peeling can be a sign of an infection or other issues like allergies.
What to do:
- Examine the rash closely.
- Contact your doctor if it doesn’t improve, or if there are signs of infection like pus, fever, or pain.
8. Dehydration
Signs of dehydration in newborns include fewer wet diapers (less than 4–6 per day), dry mouth, sunken eyes, and a sunken fontanel (the soft spot on their head). Dehydration can be caused by insufficient feeding or illness.
What to do:
- Ensure your baby is feeding regularly.
- Consult your pediatrician if dehydration symptoms appear.
9. Excessive Crying (Colic or Pain)
While it’s normal for babies to cry, excessive crying (particularly when accompanied by signs of discomfort such as pulling their legs toward their belly) might indicate something like colic, gas, or even an ear infection. Uncontrollable crying that lasts for hours could require medical attention.
What to do:
- Observe your baby’s crying patterns for signs of pain.
- Consult your doctor if your baby cries excessively and seems inconsolable.
10. Swollen Belly or Distended Abdomen
A swollen belly or abdomen that is hard to the touch may indicate intestinal issues, constipation, or more severe problems such as a bowel obstruction. This requires immediate attention.
What to do:
- Consult a doctor immediately if your baby has a distended or painful belly.
🧠 Final Thoughts
It’s natural to feel worried about your newborn’s health, especially as a first-time parent. While some of these signs may be common or harmless, it’s always better to be safe and consult your pediatrician if something feels off. Early detection and intervention are key to ensuring your baby’s health and well-being.
Trust your instincts as a parent—if you’re ever unsure or concerned about any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Reference:
Baby acne – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/baby-acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20369880Mayo Clinic+1Mayo Clinic+1
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Acne – ColumbiaDoctors
https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/everything-you-need-know-about-baby-acneColumbiaDoctors
What Is Baby Acne, The Causes & Treatments – JOHNSON’S®
https://www.johnsonsbaby.com/baby-tips/what-is-baby-acne
