Signs Of An Unwell Baby (Under 3 Months) 

Babies who are under 3 months old can become unwell very quickly. Their immune system is very immature and their bodies often can’t manage even the simple common cold or a bout of gastro. They often become too tired too quickly and need medical help fast. 

If you see these signs head to ED or call an ambulance (Signs with a * always need an ambulance) 

  • A - ACTIVITY 

    • hard to wake, floppy or unresponsive* 
    • unwell and inconsolable - especially if more upset when moved or brought into light 
    • a high-pitched cry 
    • a glazed/glassy look or not interacting normally 
    • not wanting to move limbs 

  • B - BREATHING 

    • not breathing* 
    • long pauses in breathing* 
    • very noisy breathing* 
    • struggling to breathe* 
    • the skin being sucked into the ribs and base of the neck 
    • head bobbing 
    • nasal flaring 
    • noisy breathing 

  • C - COLOUR 

    • pale or blue - may only be hands and feet 
    • cold and clammy skin* 
    • blue around lips* 
    • mottled 
    • non-blanching rash* (a rash that doesn’t go away when you push on it) 

OTHER RED FLAG SIGNS 

  • any fever over 38°c 
  • any signs of gastric (vomiting or diarrhoea) 
  • a sunken or bulging fontanelle* 
  • sudden and severe abdo pain* 
  • a lump or bulge in the groin that appears when crying or coughing - this is a sign of a hernia 
  • refusing to feed 

If your concerned about your baby who is well alert, feeding and growing well with regular wet and dirty nappies, call your GP to make an appointment. 

Common issues to see a GP 

  • a well child who has a blanching rash (a rash that goes away when you push on it) 
  • nappy rash that won’t go away 
  • baby that is well but difficult to settle 
  • a spilly baby 
  • if you have any worries about your baby always see your gp or call healthline (or plunket line for a well-child)

Keeping your little one healthy 

  • sterilisation and sterile water 
  • young babies are at risk of infection if bacteria get into their tummy and gut. It’s best to sterilise everything that goes into baby’s mouth until 3 months. After 3 months you can wash it with hot soapy water 
  • steps for effective sterilisation 
  • with clean hands, clean items with dish soap and hot tap water and use a bottle and teat brush to remove all milk residue 
  • sterilise items using the chosen method 
  • items do not need to be dried before use. Do not dry with a tea towel, leave items in the steriliser until you are ready to use or place items in a dedicated container in the fridge 
  • if items are not used within 24 hours, they require repeated sterilisation 

Don’t let people kiss your baby 

  • in the first 6 weeks, it’s best to only have the main caregivers kiss your baby 
  • even a common sickness can be life-threatening for newborns. They have an underdeveloped immune system and their little bodies can fight back. 

  • common illnesses (like respiratory bugs, cold sores and gastro) are spread through contact and kissing 
  • babies also don’t get their first immunisations until 6 weeks so high risk of getting vaccine-preventable diseases if exposed 

Three key rules for visitors in the first few weeks

  • no kissing 
  • wash hands before holding baby 
  • no visiting if unwell