When to Call the Doctor: Baby's First Days at Home

When to worry

• Fever: According to Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar, Sr. Consultant- Pediatric & Neonatologist, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, there is no need to monitor the baby's temperature if everything seems to be good. However, you should seek medical attention if you are concerned about any additional symptoms or if your baby's skin feels warm or chilly to the touch. A fever for a baby is defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater; a temperature of less than 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit is regarded as too low and should be reported to a paediatrician.

• Baby refuses to eat or is not peeing: Newborns should not refuse to eat, particularly if it has been two to three hours since their previous meal. Check the baby's nappies. If the quantity of moist ones falls, they may get dehydrated.

• Yellowish skin or eyes: Jaundice occurs when a baby's skin or eyes become yellow, indicating that their blood contains excessive amounts of bilirubin (a naturally occurring chemical that gives bile its yellowish colour). In moderate situations, the baby's jaundice may resolve on its own with enough feedings; but, in more severe cases, infants may need light therapy treatment at the doctor's office or hospital.

• Blood or strange-looking spit-up: Experts also mention green spit-up (which might indicate a digestive issue) and blood wherever (including faeces, spit-up, and around the circumcision region). In such circumstances, the baby needs to be evaluated promptly in case treatment is necessary.

• Trouble breathing: This goes without saying, but if you suspect your baby is not breathing properly—for example, if he or she is breathing rapidly, wheezing, or retracting when trying to inhale—it is an emergency, according to Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar. Call the doctor and go to the emergency room.

• Breathing Irregularities (blue lips or face, and grunting or straining during breathing): Signs such as blue discolouration or grunting may suggest severe respiratory distress.

• Lethargy or Weakness: Look for changes in alertness and activity levels; even little changes might be important.

• Excessive crying: Crying is typical in infancy, but excessive crying may suggest pain or distress.

• Frequent vomiting: While spit-up is usual in newborns, regular vomiting, particularly if severe, may indicate a problem. Keep note of the frequency and consistency; this will allow your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.

• Seizures or jerky movements: Seizures and odd jerking motions should be regarded as medical emergencies.

• Umbilical Cord Care (Signs of Infection): Monitor the umbilical cord stump for indications of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Proper care and cleanliness are vital for avoiding issues.

• Excessive perspiration or coldness: Unexplained sweating or coolness, particularly in the extremities, may signal a health issue.

• Unusual rashes: While many rashes are innocuous, some may signal allergic responses or infections.

• Eye discharge or puffiness: Keep the eye region clean and see a doctor if the symptoms continue.

• Excessive weight loss: Weight loss in babies may be concerning and should be investigated soon. Monitor nutrition and weight growth; any considerable loss may signal a major problem.

When not to worry?

• Baby has not pooped: Not pooping for a day or two is acceptable if the baby seems to be healthy and pees properly. If the excrement eventually arrives and seems normal (not hard or pellet-like), the infant is not constipated.

• There is a pink-orange smear in the nappy: This may appear like blood, but it is not. The discolouration, which can appear in the pee-soaked area, is caused by urate crystals which are normally present in urine. When the amount of urine that is produced rises, the colour often vanishes after about a week has passed.

• Or even a little blood?: Here's an exception to the basic rule of "worry if anything is bleeding”. Some infant girls have vaginal bleeding that begins three to five days after delivery and lasts several days. It is caused by a shift in hormone levels after her birth. Experts say blood should be approximately the size of a coin or quarter. While it is not a reason for alarm, if you are concerned, you may have your paediatrician clarify that the bleeding is normal.

• Baby's eyes seem crossed: You may notice that your baby's eyes are somewhat misaligned, especially when they are sleeping. Because of their underdeveloped eye muscles, newborns—those under two months old—frequently experience times when their eyes cross or diverge. Only if you still see it after six months is it a problem.

• Frequent Hiccups: If your baby's hiccups continue for a lengthy period of time or seem to be causing concern, consult your paediatrician.

• Frequent sneezing: Sneezing may be typical for newborns when they empty their nasal passages. However, regular sneezing along with other symptoms such as fever may need a consultation.

• Skin Peeling: Peeling skin is common in neonates, particularly during the first few weeks. This usually cures on its own, but if you see significant peeling or other skin abnormalities, see your doctor for help.

• Startling Reflex: The startle reaction, also known as the Moro reflex, is widespread in infants and often fades by six months. It is a typical aspect of baby growth and often happens when neonates experience a strong shock.

• Farts:Frequent gas is a typical feature of newborn digestion and is seldom a reason for worry. This is usually considered normal as long as your kid seems to be comfortable and eating properly.

• Fontanelles, or soft areas on the head: These are natural in neonates and support brain development. These typically close by the time the youngster reaches two years old.

• Red pimples or rash: Small red pimples are frequent and may not need treatment. If they continue or worsen, seeing a paediatrician may assist check that there is no underlying cause.

• Grunting while passing the stool: Grunting during bowel motions is normal as newborns learn to coordinate their muscles. This is normally normal as long as the stool is soft and there is no sign of soreness. Always keep track of their eating and output to guarantee their wellness.

• Crying without tears: It is usual for babies to cry without tears, particularly in the first few weeks. As their tear ducts grow, this will alter. If your infant is especially fussy and not gaining weight, see your paediatrician.

• Cold Hands and Feet: Cold extremities in neonates are typical, especially if they are not swaddled. As long as your baby's core temperature is normal, there is typically no reason for worry. Dressing your infant comfortably might help control their body temperature.

• Periodic Breathing: Newborns often exhibit abnormal breathing patterns, which may involve pauses. This is normally normal and is due to their growing respiratory system.

FAQs on First Days Home With Baby: Signs to Call the Doctor:

1. What temperature indicates a fever in a newborn?A fever in a newborn is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F or greater.
2. Is it common for a baby to not defecate every day?Yes, if a baby hasn't pooped in a day or two but seems healthy and is urinating regularly, there's usually no need for alarm.