Signs of Illness in a Newborn:
Does your baby look different?
Has your baby’s skin lost color, or is it rosy? Are there any rashes?
Does your baby have a fever?
Any of these changes could indicate illness. If you notice any of them, or other worrisome changes in your baby, call your baby’s medical professional.
Has your baby been acting unusual?
Is your baby crying more often than usual? Is your baby more short-tempered than usual? Is your baby sleeping more or less than usual? Does your baby seem worn-out?
Has your baby’s eating habits or stools changed?
Has your baby thrown up more than once, or has thrown up harshly? Are her stools more hard than usual? Are her stools more runny than usual? Do you need to change more dirty diapers than usual, or not much at all, meaning she isn’t urinating as much as she should? Check for any changes in color in her urine or stools. Anything like this could mean she is sick or dehydrated. You should contact her medical professional as soon as possible.
Does your baby’s breathing seem different?
Does your baby have trouble breathing? Does your baby sound congested? You can check by putting your ear to her back, and listen to her breaths. Is your baby coughing?
Steps you and others should take to decrease the chance of your newborn getting sick:
1. Wash your hands before handling your newborn.
2. Wash your hands before and after a diaper change.
3. If anyone is sick, they should keep their distance.
4. Newborns need at least 3-7 baths per week. They don’t need as many as we do simply because they don’t get as dirty as we do, and they have resilient skin.
5. Keep their play toys clean by washing with soap and warm water. Make sure they are thoroughly dry, and clean them often, depending on how often your new baby uses them.
6. Keep their sleeping area clean. Wash their crib with soap and water. You might also want to change their sheets daily, because of the way newborns drool and spit up.
7. All bottles should be sanitized before the baby uses them.
8. Pacifiers should be cleaned continuously throughout the day with soap and water.
9. Be sure to keep your baby warm and cozy in the winter, and comfortably cool in the summer.
10. A humidifier or air filter placed in their bedroom can help keep the air they breathe clean as they sleep.