Symptoms of Infants
Infants cannot verbally communicate their discomfort, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize signs of illness or distress. Understanding normal infant behavior versus concerning symptoms helps ensure timely medical care. This guide covers common infant symptoms from birth to 12 months, emphasizing when immediate medical attention is necessary for your baby's health and safety.
🚨 CALL 911 or SEEK EMERGENCY CARE For:
- Difficulty breathing or turning blue
- Unresponsiveness or extreme lethargy
- Seizures or convulsions
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in infants under 3 months
- Severe dehydration (no wet diapers in 8+ hours)
- Bulging or sunken fontanelle (soft spot)
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Stiff neck with fever
- Purple/red rash that doesn't blanch
- Inconsolable crying for hours
- Any concern about baby's breathing or consciousness
Trust your instincts - if something seems seriously wrong with your baby, seek immediate medical care.
Common Infant Symptoms by System
Respiratory Symptoms
- Rapid breathing (>60/min)
- Grunting or wheezing
- Nasal flaring
- Chest retractions
- Persistent cough
- Congestion
Digestive Symptoms
- Spitting up/reflux
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeding difficulties
- Abdominal distension
Behavioral Changes
- Excessive crying
- Unusual irritability
- Lethargy
- Poor feeding
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased activity
Skin Symptoms
- Rashes
- Jaundice (yellowing)
- Unusual pallor
- Mottled skin
- Diaper rash
- Eczema
Age-Specific Symptom Guide
Newborn (0-1 month)
- Fever: Any temperature ≥100.4°F is emergency
- Jaundice: Yellow skin/eyes after day 3
- Umbilical cord: Redness, discharge, odor
- Feeding: Less than 8 feeds/24 hours
- Wet diapers: Less than 6/day after day 4
1-3 Months
- Colic: Crying >3 hours/day, >3 days/week
- Reflux: Excessive spitting up
- Sleep: Not sleeping 2-4 hour stretches
- Development: Not tracking with eyes
3-6 Months
- Teething: Drooling, fussiness, chewing
- Rolling injuries: Falls from surfaces
- Solid food reactions: Allergies, intolerance
- Ear infections: Pulling ears, fever
6-12 Months
- Separation anxiety: Excessive distress
- Crawling injuries: Bumps, bruises
- Object ingestion: Choking hazards
- Standing falls: Head injuries
Understanding Infant Fever
Temperature Guidelines
- Normal: 97°F - 100.3°F (36.1°C - 37.9°C) rectal
- Low-grade fever: 100.4°F - 102°F (38°C - 38.9°C)
- Moderate fever: 102°F - 104°F (38.9°C - 40°C)
- High fever: Above 104°F (40°C)
When Fever Is Emergency
- Any fever in infant under 3 months
- Fever over 104°F in any infant
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours (under 2 years)
- Fever with lethargy or poor responsiveness
- Fever with rash, stiff neck, or breathing problems
Decoding Infant Crying
Normal Crying
- Peaks at 6-8 weeks
- 1-3 hours daily is normal
- Often worse in evening
- Responds to comfort measures
Concerning Crying
- High-pitched, shrill cry
- Weak, moaning cry
- Sudden change in cry pattern
- Inconsolable for hours
- Crying with back arching
Feeding and Growth Concerns
Warning Signs
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Refusing multiple feeds
- Projectile vomiting
- Blood in spit-up or stool
- Severe gas pain
- Choking or gagging frequently
Normal Variations
- Cluster feeding
- Growth spurts
- Occasional spit-up
- Variable appetite
- Preference changes
Developmental Warning Signs
- 2 months: Not smiling or tracking objects
- 4 months: Not bringing hands to mouth
- 6 months: Not rolling or sitting with support
- 9 months: Not babbling or responding to name
- 12 months: Not crawling or pulling to stand
- Any age: Loss of previously gained skills
When to Call Your Pediatrician
- Fever guidelines based on age
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual rash or skin changes
- Breathing concerns
- Significant behavior changes
- Feeding difficulties
- Eye discharge or redness
- Ear drainage
- Excessive crying
- Any parental concern
General Infant Care Tips
- Monitor: Keep symptom diary
- Hydration: Ensure adequate feeds
- Comfort: Swaddling, white noise, movement
- Temperature: Check regularly if concerned
- Rest: Allow extra sleep when ill
- Hygiene: Frequent hand washing
- Environment: Cool mist humidifier
- Trust instincts: You know your baby best