Being a parent is one of the greatest joys in the world, but it doesn’t come without its stresses. This is especially true for parents of newborns. Parents may not know what health indicators need medical attention and which are perfectly normal. Fortunately, Touchpoint Pediatrics provides resources to help parents better understand newborn health. Here, we’ll explore some signs you can watch out for if you’re concerned about your little bundle of joy.
What To Look for in Newborns
Determining newborn health problems is especially difficult because, unlike older children or adults, babies can’t communicate issues as effectively. This leaves parents, particularly first-time parents, feeling worried over every cough, sneeze, or rise in temperature. Any small complication can have a big impact on these little ones, which is why it’s important to know what is common and what is an indicator that something is wrong. Some aspects you’ll want to pay attention to include:
Difficulty Breathing
Complications involving breathing need to be taken seriously. Breathing problems commonly occur in the early hours and even days of a baby’s life. Because newborns have smaller airways and haven’t yet learned to use their lungs fully, they occasionally breathe rapidly, have pauses between breaths, and make strange noises while breathing. In many cases, these issues aren’t cause for concern, especially if the breathing pattern is normal for your specific child. However, parents need to listen carefully to determine if their breathing seems to change, which could be a sign of asphyxia, pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, or other issues.
Temperature Changes
Like other children and even adults, body temperature is important for newborns. While fevers (temperatures over 100.3°F) may be the first thing parents think to look for, newborns are also susceptible to hypothermia, which involves lower body temperatures and can be a sign of hypoglycemia, shock, or sepsis. In either case, if your little one’s temperature is below 97°F or above 100.3°F, it’s best to get them looked at right away.
Feeding Issues
Newborns can be fussy eaters, so it might not be surprising if you’re having trouble during feedings from time to time. However, if poor feeding becomes an ongoing issue or if your baby refuses to be fed entirely, bring them to a doctor promptly. Given their size and physical developmental needs, getting enough food is critical to newborn growth.
Skin Discoloration
Newborns are still getting acquainted with the world, so their bodies will undergo a lot of changes, particularly in the early days. However, if you notice their skin has a yellowish tint, it could be a sign of jaundice. This condition is common and easy for medical professionals to treat, but parents shouldn’t ignore it.
Irritability
It won’t be shocking to hear that newborns often whine or cry. Given that they can’t speak, this is their only way to communicate things like hunger. However, new parents should take note if their baby is consistently crying and can’t be consoled, as this may be a sign that newborn healthcare is needed.
Lethargy
Babies sleep a lot, so a consistently snoozing newborn shouldn’t be a surprise. However, if you notice they seem extra tired, uninterested in the world around them, or seem to be staring off and unalert, taking them to see a doctor is a smart idea to rule out a cause for concern.
Trust the Newborn Health Experts at Touchpoint Pediatrics
We know that being the parent of a newborn is nerve-racking, which is why our team is made up of 100% board-certified pediatricians. Because we aren’t tied to a large healthcare group, you can expect personal attention from a pediatrician and passionate care with each visit. Our staff is proud to take our time with each patient to ensure they are healthy and give their parents peace of mind.
We provide a wide range of newborn health essentials, including checkups, screenings, and vaccines. We also offer urgent care 24/7, allowing you to call and speak to a Touchpoint pediatrician or bring your child in day or night.
When it comes to newborn health, trust Touchpoint Pediatrics in Chatham, New Jersey. We’re here to serve those in Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond. If you’re ready for a “Meet You” meeting or have any questions, contact us today.