Parents are usually good at noticing when something is wrong with their baby. However, many parents worry that they won't recognise the signs that their baby is unwell.
Symptoms that require emergency medical attention
You should dial 999 immediately if you find your baby:
- is not breathing,
- is unconscious,
- seems breathless, or is breathing much faster than usual,
- looks very pale, or their skin is blue or dusky around the lips,
- is having a convulsion (fit),
- has cold hands or feet, but also has a fever (a temperature over 38C or 100.4F),
- feels floppy or limp (perhaps when cuddled), or
- has a raised, tense or bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on their head.
If your baby displays any of the above symptoms, it is very important that you dial 999 straight away. This is because these symptoms are often a sign that your baby requires urgent medical attention. If you seek attention promptly, then your baby can receive any necessary treatment as soon as possible.
Other signs and symptoms
You should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 if your baby:
- is drooling excessively instead of swallowing their own saliva,
- has bruised or discoloured skin,
- seems unusually drowsy when they are awake, or they are not interested in looking at you,
- is crying differently than normal (perhaps moaning, whimpering or high-pitched), and soothing doesn't help,
- is not interested in feeding,
- is not responding to you normally,
- appears to have severe leg pain or tenderness,
- is developing a rash,
- seems irritable and does not like being touched,
- has a fever (a high temperature that is over 38C or 100.4F) or is flushed, hot and sweaty, or
- is not wetting or soiling their nappies as normal.
Vomiting in babies
You should also call NHS Direct if your baby is vomiting or projectile vomiting.
Vomiting is different from the small amount of milk that most babies bring up after feeding (known as possetting). Vomiting normally happens a while after feeding, the quantity of milk is larger, and the milk may be curdled and smell nasty.
Projectile vomiting is when a baby brings up the contents of their stomach with such force that the vomit covers a distance of several feet.
When you call NHS Direct, a nurse advisor will assess your baby over the phone and advise you on the most appropriate course of action to take.
Remember, you know your baby better than anyone else. Small children can become ill quickly, so make sure you check on them often. If you are worried that your baby may be ill, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice.
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