Welcoming a baby to this world is both an overwhelming and joyous experience. After all, the newborn will most probably bring endless love, laughter, and happiness to the family.
The repeated gynecologist appointments and the restless nights from childbirth agony have ended. Finally, you have your little bundle of joy in your arms, and your doctor has ordered your hospital discharge. Your family and friends might even decorate the room to welcome the cute baby to the family.
Bringing your newborn home must be exciting, but you must also feel anxious and stressed. One of the many reasons for your worry and stress might be how to tell if your baby’s behavior and development are normal or if you need to seek urgent medical attention. In the first few months, the newborn baby is usually at higher risk of getting ill since its immune system has not fully developed.
If you wish to spot any major sickness in your infant, you must be aware of a few warning signs. So, look for the following six telltale signs in your newborn:
1. Poor muscle tone
When you pick up your child, do you often feel your baby’s legs stiffened or crossed? Or do you think your child faces difficulty sitting up, crawling, or walking? If this sounds familiar, take your child to the pediatrician. There’s a high possibility that your baby has Cerebral Palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy is one of the most common preventable birth injuries caused by medical negligence. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for CP to this date.
Undeniably, the revelation of such devastating news may break your heart and pose many financial, social, and emotional challenges for you and your spouse. But don’t just sit back and grieve. Instead, file a cerebral palsy lawsuit to hold the medical team involved accountable and get the rightful compensation you and your baby deserve.
2. Fever
The most common sign of infant illness is fever. Newborn babies are vulnerable to infections caused by viruses and bacteria because their immune system is still developing.
So, call the doctor immediately if your baby is three months or under and has a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit. However, it is dangerous if your baby’s age is between three to six months and the temperature exceeds 101 degrees.
Moreover, children between six months and older may sometimes suffer febrile seizures (convulsions or fits). If the seizures get severe and last for a long time, they may cause breathing issues, so you need to take them to the emergency room.
3. Change in appetite
Feeding is a part of parenting. Usually, infants are ready to be fed after the first day or so. After that, most babies show signs of hunger and are fed after every three to four hours. But if your infant refuses to eat, it’s a sign of an underlying issue, and you need to consult a doctor.
Causes of poor feeding may be due to minor or major illnesses. Minor illnesses that can make feeding uncomfortable for infants include teething, diarrhea, cold, etc. However, some serious health conditions can affect your baby’s feeding, including congenital conditions like jaundice.
4. Rashes
It’s no secret that a newborn’s skin is sensitive. That’s why they are more prone to rashes. Usually, rashes are normal and go away on their own. But sometimes, rashes may also signify danger and immediate medical attention.
If your baby has rashes and fever, it’s better to call the baby’s doctor since it might indicate an infection. Alternatively, if your baby’s rashes persist for more than a week and do not improve with home remedies, have your child examined by a pediatrician. Lastly, if your baby is suffering from uncontrollable shaking, a high fever, and a stiff neck, it might be because of meningitis.
5. Constant crying
All babies cry, and there is nothing new or alarming about it. After all, that is the only way they know how to communicate. Whether they feel hungry, sleepy, or need a diaper change, crying is the only way they know how to express themselves. Most often, parents progressively develop the ability to interpret their baby’s cries and respond appropriately.
However, if your baby continuously cries inconsolably for long hours, there might be some issues. Observe if their cry also sounds unusual; chances are they have Colic. While the causes of Colic remain unknown, possible contributing factors include childhood migraine, food allergies, gas issues, family or caregiver stress, etc.
6. Lethargy
Does your baby sleep longer? And even after waking up, do they feel drowsy? Or do they fail to respond to visual stimulations and sounds? If you observe signs like these, talk to your baby’s doctor.
You might also note other changes in behavior or appearance, such as loss of appetite and change in skin color.
Lethargy might indicate low blood sugar levels or an infection, such as influenza, meningitis, etc. If your newborn is showing signs of lethargy or listlessness, there’s a high possibility they are experiencing an alarming condition. Therefore, it is best to take your baby to a doctor and get them examined.
Summing up
Truthfully, seeing a baby suffering from an illness or pain is not easy for parents. However, instead of panicking, try to remain composed and calm. Go with your gut feeling when you recognize something is off with the baby. Ignoring the warning signs can complicate the health condition of your baby. Therefore, don’t hesitate to make a quick call to your baby’s doctor so they can diagnose it correctly and treat it appropriately.
