It can be difficult to identify illness in newborns. When children are too young to verbalize their feelings, tell-tale symptoms may go unnoticed. This doesn’t mean that babies can’t communicate, however. They have their own ways of showing us how they feel – often, with their behavior. Here, Touchpoint Pediatrics shares ways your newborn’s behavior may indicate a pediatric health condition.
Persistent Crying
All babies cry to communicate their needs. In most cases, they are sleepy, hungry, lonely, or need their diaper changed. Alleviating one of these is usually enough to calm them. Persistent fussing, even after all your newborn’s needs have been met, might be a sign of a deeper problem.
If your newborn cries for long periods of time, or if their cry sounds unusual, start by examining for a physical problem. The cause could be something as simple as pinching clothing, an open diaper pin, or a hair wound tightly around the toe. Also, check for swelling in the abdomen. This may indicate colic, a benign but painful intestinal problem that is common in infants younger than 3 months.
If you cannot identify a physical cause, it may be time to contact your Touchpoint pediatrician. Constant crying might be your child communicating that they feel sick. A medical professional will help you identify the problem and provide relief.
Lethargy and Inactivity
Growing is tiring. It’s normal for newborns to sleep for 14 to 17 hours each day, usually taken in short but frequent naps. Premature babies may sleep for up to 22 hours daily. Between these bursts, however, should be periods of activity and attention. Extreme lethargy is frequently a sign that your child may be sick. Contact a Touchpoint pediatrician if your baby:
- Has little or no energy
- Acts sleepy or sluggish, even when awake
- Doesn’t respond to sounds or visual stimulation
- Sleeps for longer than usual
- Is difficult to wake up for feedings
These changes often develop gradually, so it’s important for new parents to pay attention to their child’s daily patterns. Changes in sleep may be a sign of infection, low blood sugar, or other health concerns.
Low Appetite
After the first day or two, newborns are ready to eat. They want food every three or four hours and express their hunger by sucking on their fingers, making rooting motions, or crying. If your newborn doesn’t get hungry or refuses to eat, it may be sick. You may also notice:
- Sucking problems: Your baby has a weak latch when breastfeeding, and may not pull. You may not hear audible swallows. Bottles need “working” to soften the nipple or encourage a suck. Feedings take an unusually long time.
- Spitting up: Spitting or dribbling milk is common in newborns. Spitting up large amounts of milk, however, points to a problem. So does forceful or projectile vomiting. Look for discoloration in the vomit that may indicate an intestinal obstruction.
- Weight loss: Some weight loss is normal in the first few days after birth. This weight, however, should be regained after a week or two. Signs of weight loss or insufficient gain include a thin face, loose skin, and fewer wet diapers.
If you notice changes in your infant’s appetite or feeding patterns, get in touch with a pediatrician. Not only can these signs indicate an underlying health concern, but weight problems can impact your child’s health in other ways, leading to long-term consequences if not addressed.
External Indicators
Not all indicators of illness are behavioral. Some sicknesses cause physical signs, most often in the diaper. If you notice changes in your little one’s activity, you may wish to check for changes in their bodies as well. Here are some signs to look for:
- Fever: Call your Touchpoint pediatrician if your newborn’s internal temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A mercury-free, glass rectal thermometer is the safest and easiest way to check. Temporal thermometers may not be accurate enough to obtain a viable temperature. Not all brands are reliable, and they can be difficult to use with a newborn.
- Diarrhea: Unusually wet stools could indicate an intestinal infection or obstruction. Persistent diarrhea may also lead to dehydration.
- Dry stools: If your baby has very hard or dry stools, they are losing too many fluids. This may be due to fever, illness, or an excessively hot environment.
- Urination: Babies should wet at least four diapers a day. If you notice infrequent urination, consistently stained pee, or bloody spots, contact a pediatrician immediately.
Treat Pediatric Health Conditions
Newborns can’t tell their parents how they feel, which is why it’s important to stay attentive to other signs. If you suspect your child has a pediatric health condition, contact Touchpoint Pediatrics. We take newborn health seriously and always have a board-certified pediatrician available to answer questions.
Located in Chatham, New Jersey, Touchpoint Pediatrics serves families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond. Contact us with any questions about pediatric health conditions or our services to ensure your child receives the care they deserve.
