SIGNS OF ILLNESS IN A NEWBORN
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or greater rectally
- Temperature less than 97.5 rectally
- Recurrent vomiting (not spit up)
- Failure to urinate at least every eight hours
- Failure to feed repeatedly
- Pallor, listlessness, irritability
- Labored breathing
These signs are concerning in an infant. We want you to call the office day or night if your newborn appears ill.
Book Resource: My Child Is Sick by Barton Schmitt, MD
SAFETY
- Always use a car seat. It should face the back of the car until your infant is at least two years old.
- Place your infant on his or her back to sleep. Do not have pillows, loose blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib.
- Do not sleep with your baby.
- Do not leave your baby unattended with pets or small children.
- Do not put your infant in a car seat on top of a high surface or countertop.