Newborn Illness – How to Recognize

Why Newborns Need to be Watched Closely

• Newborns are at higher risk for infections. Infections may present at any time during the first month. Watch your baby carefully for signs of illness. This is especially crucial during the first 7 days of life.
• Newborns that get a blood infection (sepsis) can get very sick quickly.
• The symptoms of serious illness in newborns can be subtle. The question below deals with sick newborns:
• "Age under 1 month old (newborn) and starts to look or act abnormal in any way." Look for this question in the "Call Your Doctor Now" section. It is listed in at least 10 topics.
• Feeding is the one reliable measure of a newborn’s well-being. Newborns should be eating machines. If your baby isn’t feeding well, call your baby’s doctor. Also, call if your baby has an abrupt change in his feeding pattern. (Exception: never a good feeder, but takes enough milk and nothing has changed).
• If how your baby looks or acts changes and it’s not normal, call now. Don’t wait to call your baby’s doctor for expert advice.