Warning Signs of Newborn Illness: How to Tell if Your Baby is Sick

Seeing your newborn sick or uncomfortable can be one of the most challenging things for new parents to do. However, when you can recognize symptoms early on, you have a better chance of seeking pediatric care right away and treating your newborn before things get too serious. To help you cover the basics during those first few weeks of life, here are some of the most common warning signs of newborn illness and what to do if you suspect your baby may be sick.

Normal Newborn Activity

Newborns can be pretty unpredictable, and many of their behaviors may seem a bit strange to new parents. However, there are a lot of weird yet normal things newborns do. Some things that you should expect include:

Blue or purple coloring in the hands and feet in the first 24 hours.
Blotchy or red skin when cold or crying.
Mild jaundice.
Slightly irregular breathing.
Breathing in clusters.
Hiccups and sneezing.
Cluster feeding.
Colic.
Slight trembling in the arms and legs.
Spit-up during feedings.
Small grunts, snorts, or signs during sleep.
Shorter sleep cycles.
Reflexes that cause their arms or legs to jerk suddenly.

Warning Signs of Newborn Illness: How to Tell if Your Baby is Sick

Normal Newborn Activity

Blue or purple coloring in the hands and feet in the first 24 hours.
Blotchy or red skin when cold or crying.
Mild jaundice.
Slightly irregular breathing.
Breathing in clusters.
Hiccups and sneezing.
Cluster feeding.
Colic.
Slight trembling in the arms and legs.
Spit-up during feedings.
Small grunts, snorts, or signs during sleep.
Shorter sleep cycles.
Reflexes that cause their arms or legs to jerk suddenly.

Some of these symptoms could be signs of serious illness, so it's important to contact your pediatrician. However, try not to worry too much, as it can be difficult to tell what's causing your child's symptoms until you get an expert opinion.

However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it should be considered an emergency, and you need to seek medical attention immediately.

Stops breathing.
A persistent blue coloring that doesn't get better.
Is unresponsive.
Seems unaware.
They cannot be woken up.
Has a convulsion (febrile seizure).
Has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
They have glazed eyes and can't focus.
They may have been seriously injured.

Blotchy skin or signs of a severe rash may also warrant a visit to the doctor, as this could be a sign of something more serious. Trust your instincts, and when in doubt, contact your pediatrician.

Information on Fevers in Newborns

It's also important to understand that a fever in a newborn differs from a fever in an older baby or child. While a mild fever in a toddler might not cause immediate concern, even a slight temperature elevation in a newborn can indicate a severe infection. Because newborns have an underdeveloped immune system, they're more vulnerable to infections that can become severe quickly.

A fever is typically defined as a forehead or rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than three months. Unlike older children, newborns may not always show obvious signs of illness besides fever. Still, subtle symptoms-such as lethargy, poor feeding, irritability, or difficulty breathing-can accompany a fever and may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a bacterial infection or viral illness. If your newborn has a temperature, it's important to contact your pediatrician and be prepared to seek medical attention.

Newborns also struggle to regulate their body temperature, meaning that a low temperature (below 97°F or 36.1°C) can be just as concerning as a fever. A drop in body temperature may signal an infection or difficulty maintaining warmth, which requires prompt medical evaluation. In the first few months of life, seeking medical help is always better than adopting a "wait and see" approach.

Common Infant and Newborn Problems

Like adults, newborns and infants can be susceptible to several different conditions. Some of these are normal and not a significant cause for concern, while others may require medical attention. This list is merely a tool to help familiarize yourself with some things that could occur. If you have any further questions about potential illnesses or persistent conditions, speaking to your pediatrician is important.

Jaundice – Yellowish skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin.
Colic – Frequent, prolonged crying, often in the evening.
Diaper Rash – Red, irritated skin in the diaper area. Otro types of newborn rashes can also occur.
Reflux (Spitting Up) – Frequent spitting up due to an immature digestive system.
Constipation – Infrequent or hard stools.
Diarrhea – Frequent, watery stools that can lead to dehydration.
Cradle Cap – Scaly, flaky patches on the scalp.
Ear Infections – Pain and fussiness due to fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Cold and Respiratory Infections – Stuffy nose, coughing, and mild fever.
Thrush (Oral Yeast Infection) – White patches in the mouth caused by a yeast infection.
Eczema – Dry, red, itchy skin.
Fever – Temperature of 100.4°F or higher in infants.
Umbilical Cord Issues – Delayed healing or infection around the umbilical stump.
Blocked Tear Ducts – Watery or crusty eyes due to undeveloped tear ducts.
Hiccups – Common due to an immature diaphragm.
Gas and Bloating – Trapped air in the digestive system causing discomfort.
Baby Acne – Small red or white pimples on the face.
Tongue-Tie – A tight frenulum under the tongue that may affect feeding.
Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly) – Flattened spots on a baby’s head due to prolonged lying in one position.
Milk Allergy or Sensitivity – Fussiness, vomiting, or skin reactions after feeding.
Sleep Problems – Difficulty falling or staying asleep, short naps.
Teething Discomfort – Irritability, drooling, and gum swelling when teeth begin to emerge.
Dehydration – Signs include fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or sunken soft spot.
Coughing and Sneezing – Common in newborns adjusting to their environment.
Shivering or Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex) – Sudden jerky movements in response to stimuli.

The warning signs above can help you differentiate from normal newborn behavior and more serious incidents. Regardless, if you're ever in doubt or unsure about what to do, play it safe and see a doctor. Newborns have a very underdeveloped immune system, and the sooner they get help, the less likely there are risks of complications or worsening illness.

What to Do When Your Newborn is Sick

In some instances, you can tell if your newborn is not acting like themselves. At other times, things may not be as clear. In either situation, putting your children's health first and getting a professional opinion is always better. Your pediatrician is used to new parents calling with questions, so don't avoid medical care out of fear of being bothersome. If you suspect a serious situation, go directly to an emergency room. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more information on treatment and ongoing care.

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