Is My Baby Sick or in Pain?

She may cry inconsolably, be irritable and sometimes be very hard to settle. Just as equally, she can appear to be unusually quiet, not interacting much and not looking to feed.

She may feel hot to touch, look either pale or flushed. Surprisingly, her legs and hands may feel cold compared to the rest of her body.

Her stools may be watery and loose, or she may not have passed a bowel motion for a while.
Her cry may have changed.
Always check for a skin rash and take her to the doctor if she has one.

Check her temperature and take her for a medical assessment if it is over 38.5C or close to this.
Keep a close eye on how much or how often she is feeding and whether her nappies are decently wet.
The soft part of her head called the fontanelle may seem sunken.

If she vomits differently to her usual pattern or has blood streaks in her vomit or bowel motions, this needs to be investigated.

She may be limp with little energy and when you pinch up her skin it may not bounce back readily. This is a very late sign of poor hydration and being unwell and requires medical attention quickly.

These are just a few examples of signs that a baby may be sick. However, in any circumstances that worry you, you should organise for your baby to be reviewed by a doctor. You know your baby best and doctors well appreciate this fact.

Whilst we can refer you on to medical help and are experts in nursing infants, Newborn Home Care is not a diagnostic service for an unwell baby.

Babies can typically come down with urinary tract infections, ear and gut infections. There are a range of skin and respiratory infections that babies are exposed to, particularly if they have siblings at who go to daycare or school. If your baby is struggling to breathe, she should be taken to an Emergency Department or your GP with urgency.

Many parents sensibly ask those who will be in regular contact with their baby to be vaccinated for Whooping Cough.