When to get help
Fever, breathing, feeding and other warning signs
Call your local emergency number now if your baby
- has trouble breathing, is working hard to breathe, or the lips or face turn blue or grey
- is limp, very hard to wake, or not responding to you
- has a seizure (fit)
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass on it
Fever
- Under 3 months: a temperature of 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) or higher needs a doctor right away, even if your baby seems well. Call your doctor now or go to the emergency department.
- 3 to 12 months: call your doctor for a fever of 39.0 °C (102.2 °F) or higher, or any fever with signs of being unwell.
- Call your doctor if a fever lasts more than a day under 2 years old (more than 3 days from age 2), keeps coming back, or you are worried.
- A rectal temperature is the most accurate for babies under 2. Armpit readings are fine for a first check.
Call your doctor the same day if your baby
- has fewer wet diapers than usual, or none in 6 to 8 hours (a sign of dehydration), a dry mouth or no tears
- feeds much less than usual, or vomits again and again (green vomit: call right away)
- has skin or the whites of the eyes turning yellow, especially in the first weeks
- has poop that is white, pale grey, red or black (after the first few days)
- cries in a way that is new to you and cannot be settled
Trust yourself
- You know your baby best. If something feels wrong, it is always okay to call your doctor, a nurse line or your local health line.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- NHS (UK National Health Service)
- Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids)
General information for most babies, not medical advice. Your doctor, nurse or midwife knows your baby: always ask them, and call your local emergency number in an emergency.