Caring for a newborn is a joyful experience, but it can come with some anxieties, especially when your little one gets sick. This article explores common newborn illnesses, what causes them, their signs and symptoms, and when it’s time to call your provider.
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Symptoms & Conditions We Treat
Newborns are especially vulnerable to a variety of common illnesses as their immune systems are still developing in the first few weeks after birth. Because babies can’t express discomfort in words, it’s crucial for parents to be attentive to subtle symptoms, from changes in feeding patterns to breathing difficulties or unusual crying. Early recognition and communication with your child’s provider can ensure timely treatment and help prevent more serious complications.
Our experienced providers deliver expert care for newborns, including illness evaluation, wellness checks, and early intervention for serious or urgent health concerns.
Abdominal distension occurs when the baby’s belly appears swollen or firm, usually due to gas or constipation, though more serious intestinal problems can sometimes be the cause.
The baby’s abdomen may look bloated and feel hard between feedings. If there is no bowel movement for over one or two days, or if vomiting occurs, this may be a sign of more serious issues. Call your healthcare provider if this occurs.
Your healthcare provider will examine your baby to determine whether the problem is minor or requires further testing, such as a blood test or imaging. Most cases resolve with gentle bowel stimulation, feeding adjustments, or gas relief techniques.
Birth injuries may result from a prolonged or difficult labor, especially in large infants or when delivery involves instruments like forceps or vacuum devices.
Newborns may show signs of a fractured collarbone (with a small lump forming as it heals), or temporary muscle weakness in the face, shoulder, or arm on one side of the body.
Most minor birth injuries heal without intervention. Your provider may demonstrate special holding or nursing techniques to support recovery and ensure comfort during healing.
Persistent blue discoloration of the skin, especially on the face or lips, is usually a sign that the baby is not getting enough oxygen, which may result from heart or lung dysfunction.
While mild blueness of the hands and feet is normal and should resolve with warming, persistent blue lips, tongue, or facial skin, especially when calm, requires immediate medical attention.
Depending on the underlying issue, treatment may involve oxygen support, monitoring in the hospital, or referral to a pediatric cardiologist or pulmonologist.
Unusual bowel movements, including delayed meconium or blood in the stool, may indicate gastrointestinal immaturity or other digestive tract concerns.
Meconium typically appears within 24–48 hours after birth; if it is delayed, or if streaks of blood are seen in the diaper, further evaluation is necessary.
While minor anal cracks often resolve on their own, persistent symptoms may require a rectal exam or tests to rule out infections, allergies, or anatomical problems.
Coughing in newborns can result from rapid swallowing or feeding issues, but persistent or harsh coughing could signal respiratory infections or structural abnormalities.
The baby may cough, sputter, or gag during feedings, especially when the baby drinks quickly. Chronic coughing, even outside of feeds, warrants investigation. Also, if your baby regularly gags during feeding, contact your provider.
Adjusting feeding positions, slowing down feedings, or modifying breastfeeding techniques can help. If coughing persists, your provider may order imaging or refer you to a specialist.
Diaper rash is one of the most common conditions seen in infants, typically caused by prolonged moisture exposure, friction, or sensitivity to wipes or diaper materials.
The baby’s skin in the diaper area may appear red, inflamed, or slightly raised. In some cases, the rash can be painful or lead to small sores or peeling.
Frequent diaper changes, allowing the area to air dry, and applying a protective barrier cream (such as zinc oxide) can help heal and prevent further irritation. If the rash persists or worsens, your provider may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream, depending on whether bacteria or yeast are involved.
Excessive crying often results from hunger, discomfort, or overstimulation, though it may also signal pain, digestive issues, or a serious illness.
If your baby continues crying despite being clean, fed, and comforted, or if the crying sounds shrill or panicked, it may require evaluation.
Try swaddling, rocking, or white noise to comfort your baby. If crying persists or becomes unusual, your provider may examine for reflux, colic, or other causes requiring treatment.
Forceps marks appear as surface bruising or swelling caused by the use of forceps during delivery, but they are typically harmless and temporary.
Red streaks, abrasions, or firm flat lumps under the skin may appear on the baby’s head or face, usually fading within days or weeks.
Most forceps marks require no treatment. Your provider may inspect the area to ensure there’s no deeper injury or skin infection developing.
Jaundice, which causes a yellowish tinge to the skin, is due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, especially in babies who aren’t feeding frequently enough. This condition may need treatment as the bilirubin in the blood can lead to brain damage.
Yellowing usually begins in the face and spreads downward. The whites of the eyes may also appear yellow. Jaundice developing in the first 24 hours always requires testing.
Frequent feeding helps flush bilirubin. Providers may use a skin scanner or order a blood test to check levels. Severe cases are treated with phototherapy under medical supervision.
While newborns sleep often, sudden or persistent lethargy may result from infection, low blood sugar, or serious illness and should be taken seriously.
A lethargic baby may not wake to feed, may feed poorly, or appear uninterested in their environment, which is especially concerning if it differs from their usual behavior.
Your provider may recommend tests such as a blood or urine screen and monitor feeding habits. In some cases, hospital care is needed to manage the underlying condition.
Respiratory distress can occur due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), underdeveloped lungs, or blocked nasal passages, which interfere with normal breathing.
Watch for breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, nasal flaring, chest retractions, grunting, or persistent blue coloring in the skin. These are all signs that your baby is struggling to get enough oxygen. Other symptoms that could indicate a respiratory infection include the following:
Mild cases may be managed with nasal saline and suction. Severe cases require immediate medical attention, and hospitalization may be necessary to support breathing and recovery.
Ear infections are often caused by viruses or bacteria. They tend to occur more frequently in babies due to the small size and shape of their Eustachian tubes. It is common for an ear infection to develop after a viral respiratory infection.
Signs of an ear infection can include the following:
Some infants may also experience drainage from the ear or hearing changes.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, while viral infections typically resolve on their own. Providers may also recommend pain relief measures like infant acetaminophen. If your child experiences recurring infections, your provider might refer you to an ENT specialist.
Umbilical cord complications can include infection, bleeding, or incomplete healing, leading to conditions like granulomas or hernias.
Signs of concern include foul-smelling discharge, redness around the cord base, or crying when touching the area. Umbilical hernias may present as a bulge that appears when the baby cries.
Mild bleeding or discharge often resolves on its own. Granulomas may need cauterization. Hernias usually heal without intervention, though surgery might be required if they persist past age five.
If your newborn shows signs of fast breathing, unusual drowsiness, a fever over 100.4 taken rectally, vomiting, poor feeding, or a concerning rash, don’t wait! Call your provider. These could indicate a serious illness requiring immediate medical attention.
For compassionate and professional newborn care, contact our providers at Pediatric Associates of Austin. We’re here to support your baby’s health every step of the way. Schedule an appointment at our office in Austin, TX, today.
Medically reviewed by Emily Woodard, MSN, APRN, CPNP
