Bringing your newborn home is an exciting yet overwhelming experience. While most babies are perfectly healthy, it’s crucial to recognize when something might be wrong. Trust your instincts, but also know the specific signs that warrant a call to your pediatrician.
Fever
You don’t need to check your baby’s temperature constantly if they seem well, says Dr. Janelle Aby, Medical Director of the Well Baby Nursery at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. However, if your baby feels unusually warm or cool to the touch, or shows any concerning symptoms, it’s time to check. A newborn’s fever is considered serious if their temperature reaches 100.4°F or higher. Conversely, a temperature below 97.7°F could indicate a problem and also necessitates a call to the doctor.
Refusal to Eat or Decreased Urination
Newborns should feed regularly, typically every two to three hours. If your baby refuses to eat or if the number of wet diapers decreases, it could be a sign of dehydration, says Dr. Aby. In such cases, prompt medical advice is essential.
Yellowish Skin or Eyes
If you notice your baby’s skin or eyes taking on a yellowish tint, they may have jaundice, a common condition caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. While mild jaundice often resolves with frequent feeding, severe cases may require treatment, such as light therapy, under medical supervision.
Unusual Spit-Up or Blood
Dr. Aby advises parents to be vigilant for green spit-up, which could indicate an intestinal issue, or blood in your baby’s spit-up, stool, or around the circumcision area. These symptoms need immediate evaluation to determine if treatment is necessary.
Breathing Difficulties
Difficulty breathing is an emergency situation. Signs such as rapid breathing, wheezing, or visible retractions while inhaling signal a need for urgent medical attention. According to Dr. Alanna Levine, Pediatrician at Orangetown Pediatric Associates, you should call your doctor and head to the emergency room immediately if your baby struggles to breathe.
When Not to Worry
While it’s important to recognize the warning signs, some situations might seem alarming but aren’t necessarily a cause for concern.
Lack of Poop: It’s not uncommon for newborns to skip a day or two of bowel movements, provided they are otherwise healthy and urinating normally, says Dr. Aby. As long as the eventual stool isn’t hard or pellet-like, your baby isn’t constipated.
Pink-Orange Smudge in Diaper: This may look like blood, but it’s usually caused by urate crystals in the urine, which are common in newborns. The discoloration typically fades after the first week as urine flow increases.
Small Amount of Blood: A small amount of vaginal bleeding in newborn girls is normal, caused by hormonal changes after birth. Dr. Aby reassures that this type of bleeding, typically the size of a nickel or quarter, is not a concern, though you can consult your pediatrician for peace of mind.
Crossed Eyes: Newborns often have moments of crossed or misaligned eyes, especially when tired, due to underdeveloped eye muscles. This usually resolves by the time your baby is two months old. Only if it persists beyond six months should you consult your pediatrician.
While most newborns are healthy and thrive in their first days at home, being aware of potential issues is vital. Trust your instincts and know when to reach out to your doctor. With the right knowledge, you can ensure your baby’s well-being during these precious early days.
