HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Baby’s Health Warning Signs

You will learn what’s normal and what’s not for your baby. If you think your baby may be sick, don’t hesitate to call their health care provider or take them to the emergency room if it seems serious. The nurse will probably ask your baby’s temperature, so take it before you call. They may also ask how you took the temperature and what type of thermometer you used.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR BABY: • Has blue lip color • Has difficulty breathing or turning blue Contact your health care provider if your baby has any of these signs or symptoms: • Temperature of 100.4˚F or higher (in babies younger than 3 months)

• Low energy or hard to wake up • Changes in typical behavior • An unusual or high-pitched cry • An uncommon or severe rash (other than prickly heat) • Frequent bowel movements with excess fluid, mucus, or unusually foul odor

• Bloody vomit or stool • Signs of dehydration • Dry or cracked lips • Dry skin • Dry or rough tongue • Increased sleepiness or irritability

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes • Eating poorly or refusing to eat • Repeated vomiting • No wet diaper for 12 hours • No stool for 48 hours

90 Your Guide to Labor and Birth