Newborn Danger Signs: 10 Warning Signs in Babies That Mean You Must See a Doctor

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A pediatrician explains the warning signs in newborns and small babies that mean you should take the baby to a doctor — what is normal, what is not, and how to tell the difference. Warning signs covered in this video: Lethargy or not feeding well — Babies under 6 months normally wake and demand feed every 2–3 hours. If the baby has become dull, is not active, and is not feeding every 3 hours, stimulate and stroke the baby; if the baby still does not feed, it can be a sign of serious illness or sepsis (infection). Inconsolable crying — Babies cry for everything: hunger, or after passing urine or stool. Consolable crying (baby stops once the problem is fixed, e.g. hunger is fed) is not a warning sign. Inconsolable crying, where the baby does not stop even after trying everything, is a serious sign and needs a doctor's check. Also, babies of 3–4 weeks often cry more at night due to gas — this is colic pain or baby colic, and colic drops can be tried to see if the gas settles (a detailed colic video is mentioned). Fever — Fever can be a sign of infection. A warm head alone is normal and not a reason to panic. If the temperature measured with a digital thermometer (in the armpit) is above 99°F, it is considered fever and the baby must be shown to a doctor. If only the head feels hot and the temperature is below 99°F, it is not fever. Similarly, if the baby's whole body — hands, feet and abdomen — is very cold, that is hypothermia and also needs attention. Difficulty in breathing — Chest retractions (dips in the chest), ribs moving visibly, or audible grunting sounds from the throat while breathing can indicate serious lung infection, chest problem or breathing problem. Show the baby to a doctor. Vomiting — A small amount of milk coming out gently from the corner of the mouth after a feed is regurgitation, not vomiting. If the baby brings out more than about 25% of the feed, more than 5–10 ml, the whole feed, or vomits forcefully with retching, that is vomiting. Repeated vomiting can be a sign of serious illness. Green bile, yellow vomit, or blood in the vomit also needs a doctor. Loose motions — Breastfed babies under 6 months normally pass semi-solid, sticky stool six to seven times a day, not watery. More than seven times a day, watery stool, or mucus or blood in the stool is a serious problem and needs a doctor. Seizures / convulsions (jhatke) — Can be a sign of serious brain infection or serious infection. Babies do not jerk violently like adults: staring fixedly to one side, stiffening or pulling of arms and legs, froth from the mouth, repeated jerking movements of the limbs or face, or eyes rolling upwards are the signs of seizures in babies. Umbilical cord infection (umbilical sepsis) — A little discharge from the navel is not a reason to panic. But if the umbilicus is swollen, there is redness around it, and yellow or white pus is coming out, that is umbilical sepsis and needs a doctor. Abnormal colour — blue or yellow — Blue discolouration is called cyanosis. In the first 24 hours after birth, hands and feet can turn blue from cold; if blue discolouration of hands and feet persists after 24 hours it may mean the baby is cold or has an infection and needs consultation. Central cyanosis — bluishness inside the mouth, tongue and nose — can indicate a serious lungs problem. Yellow means jaundice, which is common in small babies and more in preterm babies, because the immature liver cannot handle bile pigment, which deposits in the skin. Treatment is easy — phototherapy under blue light. Do not make the mistake of putting a jaundiced baby in sunlight; that does not cure it. Urine and stool warning signs — Passing urine less than six times a day means the body lacks water (dehydration); feed the baby frequently — water cannot be given under 6 months, but frequent breastfeeding will make the baby pass urine. Also, a baby passes a black-coloured stool within the first 24 hours of birth; if that has not happened in the first 24 hours, the baby must be checked to confirm the intestines are properly formed. Not gaining weight — A newborn normally loses up to 10% of birth weight in the first week (a 3 kg baby loses about 300 g and is 2.7 kg after a week); preterm babies can lose up to 15%. This weight loss is normal, and the baby returns to birth weight by 2–3 weeks. If the baby is not gaining weight well despite feeding, there may be a problem — take a doctor's advice. Questions this video answers: What are the danger signs in a newborn baby? When should I take my newborn to a doctor? My baby is lethargic and not feeding — is it serious? What is the difference between consolable and inconsolable crying? Why does my 3–4 week old baby cry a lot at night? What is baby colic? My baby's head feels hot — is that fever? What temperature counts as fever in a baby? What is hypothermia in a newborn? How do I know if my baby has breathing difficulty? What is chest retraction and grunting? Is my baby vomiting or just spitting up (regurgitation)? When is vomiting serious? What is green or yellow vomit or blood in vomit a sign of? How many motions per day are normal for a breastfed baby under 6 months? When are loose motions serious in a baby? What about mucus or blood in stool? What do seizures look like in a newborn? What is umbilical cord infection and when is navel discharge a problem? Why is my baby turning blue? What is cyanosis and central cyanosis? Why is my newborn yellow? What is the treatment for newborn jaundice? Does sunlight cure newborn jaundice? How many times should a newborn pass urine in a day? Is my baby dehydrated? When should a newborn pass the first black stool? How much weight does a newborn lose after birth, and when does it regain birth weight? My baby is not gaining weight — what should I do? Relevant for: parents of newborns and babies under 6 months, new mothers, and caregivers who need to recognise when a baby's symptoms need medical attention. Disclaimer: All information and suggestions given in this video are general health information. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your baby shows any of these warning signs, consult your doctor or pediatrician immediately.