How to Recognize Signs of Illness in Newborns


As a new parent, it’s natural to feel extra vigilant about your baby’s health. Newborns can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, so it’s important to recognize the signs that something might be wrong. While many symptoms are minor and manageable, some require immediate attention. Here’s a guide to help you identify potential signs of illness and know when to seek medical help.

1. Fever or Temperature Changes

What to watch for:

  • A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever and could indicate an infection.
  • A temperature below 96.8°F (36°C) may signal hypothermia or other issues.

What to do:

  • Use a digital thermometer for the most accurate reading.
  • Call your doctor immediately if your baby has a fever, especially if they are under 3 months old.

2. Difficulty Feeding

Signs of a problem:

  • Refusing to feed or eating significantly less than usual.
  • Vomiting after most or all feedings, especially if it’s projectile vomiting.
  • Signs of dehydration, such as fewer than six wet diapers a day, a dry mouth, or a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head.

What to do:

  • Monitor their feeding patterns and hydration.
  • Contact your doctor if the feeding issues persist or worsen.

3. Persistent Crying or Irritability

What to watch for:

  • Crying that doesn’t stop even after feeding, changing, and comforting.
  • Unusual irritability or difficulty calming down.

What to do:

  • Check for common discomforts like hunger, dirty diapers, or gas.
  • If your baby seems inconsolable or their crying is high-pitched or unusual, seek medical advice.

4. Changes in Breathing

Signs of respiratory distress:

  • Rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute).
  • Flaring nostrils or grunting sounds while breathing.
  • Skin pulling in around the ribs or neck when breathing (retractions).
  • A bluish tint to the lips, tongue, or skin.

What to do:

  • Monitor their breathing closely.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs.

5. Unusual Sleepiness or Lethargy

What to watch for:

  • A baby who is significantly less active or alert than usual.
  • Difficulty waking them for feeds or interacting with them.

What to do:

  • Try gently stimulating your baby.
  • Call your doctor if your baby remains unusually sleepy or unresponsive.

6. Skin Changes

Signs of concern:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), especially if it appears after the first week.
  • A rash that spreads quickly or doesn’t fade when pressed.
  • Pale, blotchy, or blue skin.

What to do:

  • Monitor the changes and take note of when they started.
  • Seek medical advice for sudden or severe skin changes.

7. Abnormal Stool or Urine

Signs of illness:

  • Diarrhea or very watery stools that last more than a day.
  • Blood or mucus in the stool.
  • Dark or very concentrated urine, or fewer wet diapers than usual.

What to do:

  • Keep track of diaper changes and stool/urine patterns.
  • Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

8. Poor Muscle Tone

What to watch for:

  • A baby who feels floppy or limp when held.
  • Difficulty holding their head up during tummy time (beyond what’s expected for their age).

What to do:

  • Note any sudden changes in muscle tone.
  • Seek medical attention if your baby seems unusually weak or unresponsive.

9. Cold Symptoms

What to monitor:

  • Congestion, sneezing, or coughing that affects their feeding or sleep.
  • A runny nose with thick, yellow, or green discharge.

What to do:

  • Use a bulb syringe or saline drops to clear nasal congestion.
  • Contact your doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or worsen.

10. Seizures or Unusual Movements

What to watch for:

  • Jerking or twitching movements that don’t stop when you touch or move your baby.
  • Staring episodes or unresponsiveness.

What to do:

  • If you suspect a seizure, lay your baby on their side in a safe area and call emergency services immediately.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if your newborn shows any of the following:

  • A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Difficulty breathing or bluish skin.
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness.
  • Seizures or signs of extreme distress.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, trust your instincts. If something feels off about your baby, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and reach out to your doctor. Early intervention can make all the difference in addressing potential health concerns.

At MindBloom Academy, we’re here to empower you with the knowledge and support you need to care for your baby confidently. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job!

With care and reassurance,
MindBloom Academy