Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
It can be difficult to tell when your baby has an infection, as infections can cause lots of different signs and symptoms and babies can’t say how they feel.
If your baby has any of the following signs and symptoms they might have a serious infection:
- Is difficult to wake up
- Appears floppy
- Is irritable and will not settle
- Has a mottled or blotchy appearance
- Has difficulty breathing, is breathing fast or noisily, is ‘sucking in’ under their ribs or is grunting or wheezing
- Has a rash, or sores/blisters on the skin, eye or inside the mouth, or around their tummy button
- Has a high or low temperature (above 38° or below 36°), or their body is cold to the touch
- Has a high-pitched or abnormal cry
You should also keep an eye on your baby’s wet nappies and feeding and speak to a health professional if they have had fewer than 2-3 wet nappies in a 24-hour period.
Remember, you know your baby best, so you are well placed to notice if there are changes in their wellbeing or behaviour. It is important to get help if you are concerned that your baby might have an infection.
If you are unsure seek advice from your GP or call NHS 111.
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