How To Tell When Your Baby Is Sick

Signs that your baby may be sick

Generally, if your newborn is active, feeding well and can be comforted when crying, small differences in activity level or crying are normal. But if your baby seems fussy, is crying more than usual, has low energy, is noticeably irritable and/or seems hot and feverish, you may want to see your pediatrician.

Fever

Fever is the body’s way of fighting infection, so while fever can be serious in newborns, fever is not necessarily an emergency in older children.

How to take your baby’s temperature

At Westchester Health Pediatrics, we recommend only taking your baby’s temperature rectally. Here’s how:

The normal range for a temperature taken rectally is 97.9°F-100.4°F
Using a digital thermometer, lay your baby on his/her back and bring the knees up over the abdomen
Make sure the thermometer is clean, then dip it in water-soluble jelly
Insert the thermometer in your baby’s rectum, about 1 inch
Wait for the thermometer to take the reading (usually indicated by a beep)
Clean the thermometer after each use with soap and water or rubbing alcohol

When to see your baby’s pediatrician

Contact your pediatrician right away if you notice any of the following signs:

rectal fever above 100.4 for babies younger than 3 months
rectal fever of 104 or higher for babies older than 3 months
fever lasting more than 48-72 hours
crying inconsolably
listless or limp
having convulsions (seizures)
swelling of the soft spot at the top of the head (fontanelle)
pain
purple splotches on the skin, or another type of rash
pale
flushed (red-faced)
problems breathing
refuses to breastfeed or drink from a bottle
has trouble swallowing
vomiting or diarrhea

Count on us for information and advice to help your baby grow up healthy, safe and happy

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Whether you’re a new parent or have a baby on the way, rest assured. We’ve got years and years of experience helping parents take care of their infants and we’re ready to help you with yours.

To learn about the advice, tips and guidance we offer new parents here at Westchester Health Pediatrics, CLICK HERE.

For help raising infants and toddlers, CLICK HERE.

Please contact us to discuss any of these topics. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.