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Symptom Checker

Telling if a Newborn Is Unwell

A newborn is unwell when illness changes normal feeding, alertness, breathing, temperature, movement or behavior. Newborns may show subtle symptoms because they cannot describe what they feel.

Viral and bacterial infections, feeding problems, dehydration, jaundice, breathing conditions and other newborn medical problems can all cause a baby to seem unwell.

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AAP Guide to Telling if a Newborn Is Unwell

The AAP guide below explains which changes matter most in a newborn and when to call us.

AAP Symptom CheckerIs my newborn unwell?

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

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Symptom CheckerIs my newborn unwell? New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your newborn is feeding much less than usual.
  • Your newborn is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake or less responsive.
  • Your newborn has fever, an unusually low temperature or fewer wet diapers.
  • Breathing changes or your newborn simply seems different or unwell.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your newborn has severe trouble breathing.
  • Your newborn cannot be woken normally.
  • Your newborn has a seizure or develops blue or gray color.
  • You think your newborn has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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