If you are looking after a baby who has a serious illness or accident it is vital to get medical attention as soon as possible.
The following symptoms should always be treated as serious and an ambulance called immediately:
• High-pitched, weak or continuous cry.
• Lack of responsiveness, lethargy or floppiness.
• Bulging fontanel (the soft spot on a baby’s head) – can indicate raised pressure within the skull.
• Not drinking for more than eight hours (taking food is not as important, although consult your GP if worried).
• Temperature of over 38°C if the baby is less than three months old or over 39°C if the baby is three to six months old or a raised temperature that you are unable to bring down.
• High temperature, accompanied by cold feet and hands.
• Fits, convulsions or seizures.
• Turning blue, very pale, mottled or ashen.
• Difficulty breathing: fast breathing, grunting while breathing, or if your child is struggling to breathe – appearing to suck their stomach in under their ribs.
• the baby or child is unusually drowsy, hard to wake up or doesn’t seem to know you.
• A spotty, purple-red rash anywhere on the body. (this could be a sign of meningitis.)
• Repeated vomiting or bile-stained (green) vomiting.
Most importantly – trust your instincts. If you are seriously worried, administer First Aid and get medical help quickly.
It is strongly advised that you attend a Practical First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit firstaidforlife.org.ukemma@firstaidforlife.org.ukor tel 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses. First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
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