When Your Newborn Gets Sick

Dehydration, jaundice, diarrhea

It's inevitable—your baby will get sick sometime. Whether it's a cold, an ear infection, colic or something else, you need to be prepared. If your baby exhibits any of the following symptoms, call your doctor. Any of these could be an indication your baby is ill.

• fever higher than 101F (38.3C)
• inconsolable crying for long periods
• problems with urination
• projectile vomiting, in which stomach contents come out with great force
• baby appears lethargic or floppy when held
• severe diarrhea
• unusual behavior
• poor appetite

Dehydration
Dehydration in an infant can be very serious. If you think your baby may be dehydrated, call your pediatrician immediately. There are some warning signs to watch for, including those below.

• Baby wets fewer than five or six diapers a day.
• Baby's urine is dark yellow or orange; it should be pale yellow.
• Baby has fewer than two loose stools a day.
• Baby seems to be having trouble sucking.
• The soft spot on baby's head is sunken in.
• Baby is listless or otherwise appears unhealthy.

If you're concerned, call your doctor. A change in the number of diapers used or the consistency of the bowel movement is the first clue.

During pregnancy, your liver takes care of bilirubin for your baby. After delivery, if baby's liver isn't mature and can't handle the bilirubin, jaundice occurs.

Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera (eyes) and deeper tissues of the body. The baby looks yellow because excess amounts of bilirubin, a breakdown product of blood, has accumulated in her system. The baby is unable to filter it from the blood. It can be dangerous for the baby if left untreated.

If your pediatrician and the nurses in the hospital suspect your baby has jaundice, they will test her and keep her under observation. They will determine what type of treatment is necessary.

Phototherapy is used to treat jaundice. The baby is placed under special lights, which penetrate baby's skin and convert the bilirubin to a form that is passed in the urine. In more severe cases, blood-exchange transfusions may be necessary.

In some parts of the world, special lights may not be available. In these cases, the baby is placed outside in the sunshine for very short periods of time, and the sunlight destroys the excess bilirubin.

Diarrhea
Your baby may experience diarrhea—it's not uncommon. She'll need extra water and minerals to prevent dehydration. Your doctor may recommend an electrolyte solution to help replenish your baby's lost fluids and minerals.

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