One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of new parenthood is knowing when a symptom is serious and when it's just part of normal baby life. Trust your instincts — you know your baby best — but here's a practical guide to help you decide when to seek medical attention.
Always Call Emergency Services If Your Baby:
- Stops breathing or turns blue
- Has a seizure (fit) for the first time
- Is unresponsive and cannot be woken
- Has a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head) combined with fever and stiff neck
- Has a non-blanching rash (a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass)
- Has severe difficulty breathing — nostrils flaring, ribs visible with each breath
Go to A&E or Call Your Doctor Urgently If Your Baby:
- Has a temperature above 38°C if under 3 months old
- Has a temperature above 39°C if 3–6 months old
- Has had a fever for more than 5 days
- Is unusually drowsy, floppy, or difficult to wake
- Refuses to feed for more than 8 hours
- Has fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours (sign of dehydration)
- Has persistent vomiting (not just normal posseting)
- Has blood in their stool or vomit
- Has a rash you're unsure about
- Is crying inconsolably for several hours
- Has a swollen, tender abdomen
Book a GP Appointment If Your Baby:
- Has a cold that isn't improving after 10 days
- Has an ear infection (pulling at ears, fever, irritability)
- Has persistent nappy rash that isn't responding to cream
- Has conjunctivitis (sticky, red eyes)
- Has a cough that's been present for more than 3 weeks
- Isn't gaining weight as expected
- Has missed developmental milestones
Routine Check-Ups to Keep
In addition to illness visits, make sure you attend all scheduled check-ups: the newborn check at birth, the 6–8 week GP review, health visitor checks at 3–4 months, 9–12 months, and 2–2.5 years. These are vital for monitoring development and catching any concerns early.
A Final Note
If you're ever unsure, it's always better to seek advice than to wait and worry. No doctor will ever judge you for bringing in a baby you're concerned about. Your instincts as a parent are one of the most powerful tools you have.