Bringing a newborn home is one of the most joyful — and nerve-wracking — experiences of your life. Newborns can't tell you what's wrong, so knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
This guide covers the most important warning signs that your newborn may be unwell, and what to do about them.
1. A High or Low Temperature
A fever in a newborn (temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F) is always a medical emergency. Equally, a temperature below 36°C (96.8°F) can signal a serious problem. Always use a thermometer — don't rely on touch alone.
2. Unusual Crying
All babies cry, but a high-pitched, inconsolable, or weak cry that sounds different from their normal cry can be a sign something is wrong. Trust your instincts — you know your baby's cry.
3. Difficulty Breathing
Watch for rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), nostrils flaring, or the skin pulling in between the ribs. Any of these are signs to seek medical attention immediately.
4. Poor Feeding
If your newborn suddenly refuses to feed, is feeding much less than usual, or seems too weak or sleepy to feed, this can be a sign of illness. Newborns should feed every 2–3 hours.
5. Jaundice That's Getting Worse
Some yellowing of the skin is normal in the first few days, but jaundice that spreads, deepens, or appears after the first week needs medical review.
6. Changes in Skin Colour
Pale, blue-tinged, or mottled skin — especially around the lips or fingertips — can indicate a circulation or breathing problem. Seek help immediately.
7. Fewer Wet Nappies
Newborns should have at least 6 wet nappies per day. Fewer than this can indicate dehydration, especially if combined with a dry mouth or sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the head).
8. Vomiting (Not Just Spitting Up)
Spitting up small amounts is normal. But forceful vomiting, vomiting that is green or yellow, or vomiting after every feed needs medical attention.
9. Limpness or Unusual Stillness
A newborn who is unusually floppy, limp, or difficult to wake is showing a serious warning sign. This requires immediate medical attention.
10. A Bulging Fontanelle
The soft spot on your baby's head should be flat or slightly curved inward. A bulging fontanelle can indicate increased pressure in the brain and needs urgent assessment.
When In Doubt, Always Seek Help
As a new parent, it can be hard to know when to worry. The answer is simple: if something feels wrong, get it checked. No doctor will ever judge you for being cautious with a newborn.
Our guide Signs Your Newborn Is Sick gives you a complete, easy-to-follow reference you can keep close in those early weeks — so you always know what to watch for and when to act.