Common Newborn Health Concerns

Bringing home a newborn is an exciting yet overwhelming experience for new parents. While newborns are resilient, they are also vulnerable to various health concerns. Knowing what is normal and when to call the doctor can help you navigate this phase with confidence. In this guide, we’ll discuss common newborn health concerns, signs to watch for, and when to seek medical help.

Understanding Newborn Health

Newborns experience many changes as they adjust to life outside the womb. Some common health concerns are completely normal, while others require medical attention. Knowing the difference can ease your worries and help you act promptly when necessary.

Common Newborn Health Concerns

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. It appears as a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Mild jaundice is normal and usually resolves on its own. However, severe jaundice can lead to complications if left untreated.
• When to Call the Doctor: If jaundice spreads to the arms or legs, your baby is very sleepy, or feeding poorly, seek medical advice. Learn more about jaundice from the Mayo Clinic.

2. Colic and Excessive Crying

Newborns cry—it’s their way of communicating. However, colic is excessive crying that lasts more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Crying for shorter periods is normal. However, persistent inconsolable crying might indicate colic or another issue.
• When to Call the Doctor: If crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of illness, contact your pediatrician. Check out our self-care guide for new moms to help you manage stress.

3. Newborn Sleep Issues

Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep cycles are irregular. Sleep problems can arise due to hunger, gas, or an underdeveloped circadian rhythm.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Frequent waking is normal. However, difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy, or constant restlessness should be checked.
• When to Call the Doctor: If your baby is struggling to stay awake for feeds or seems unusually drowsy, consult a doctor. Read our comprehensive newborn sleep guide for tips on improving sleep.

4. Skin Rashes & Baby Acne

Newborn skin is delicate and prone to rashes, peeling, and baby acne.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Baby acne, diaper rash, and peeling skin are common. However, rashes that spread quickly or appear infected require attention.
• When to Call the Doctor: If a rash is accompanied by fever, blisters, or swelling, seek medical care. Learn more about newborn rashes from the American Academy of Dermatology.

5. Feeding Problems: Breastfeeding vs. Formula

Newborns need proper nutrition to thrive, whether from breastmilk or formula.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Spitting up small amounts is normal. However, constant vomiting, refusal to eat, or dehydration symptoms like fewer wet diapers need medical attention.
• When to Call the Doctor: If your baby isn’t gaining weight or shows signs of dehydration, consult a pediatrician. Read our guide on breastfeeding vs. formula feeding to make an informed choice.

6. Constipation & Diarrhea

Newborn stools change frequently, but significant changes may indicate a problem.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Soft, yellow stools are common in breastfed babies. Occasional straining is normal, but hard stools or watery diarrhea are concerning.
• When to Call the Doctor: If stools are unusually hard, bloody, or excessively loose, contact a doctor. Find out more about baby poop from the Cleveland Clinic.

7. Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off within two weeks.

• Normal vs. Concerning: It may look dry and scabbed, which is normal. However, foul-smelling discharge or redness around the base is a sign of infection.
• When to Call the Doctor: If there is swelling, pus, or persistent bleeding, consult a doctor.

8. Newborn Breathing Irregularities

Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns, which can be alarming.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Occasional pauses in breathing (under 10 seconds) are normal. Persistent fast breathing, grunting, or color changes are concerning.
• When to Call the Doctor: If your baby stops breathing for more than 10 seconds, turns blue, or has labored breathing, seek immediate medical help

9. Teething Discomfort

Teething can begin as early as 3-4 months, causing drooling and fussiness.

• Normal vs. Concerning: Mild fussiness and chewing on hands are normal. High fever or swollen gums may indicate an infection.
• When to Call the Doctor: If teething symptoms are severe or persistent, contact your pediatrician. Check out our baby teething pain relief guide.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

While many newborn issues resolve on their own, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention:

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under three months
• Difficulty breathing, persistent grunting, or turning blue
• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
• Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Unusual rashes with fever
• Seizures or uncontrollable shaking

Conclusion

Understanding newborn health concerns can help you respond appropriately when issues arise. While many concerns are normal, knowing when to call the doctor ensures your baby gets the best care possible. Taking care of a newborn can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, you can confidently navigate this journey!