Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, repeated or prolonged breathing pauses, blue or gray lips or skin, a seizure, collapse, or unresponsiveness.
Follow any individual emergency plan provided at discharge, particularly if the baby uses oxygen, tube feeding, or monitoring equipment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical assessment for a baby who:
Has a temperature of 38°C or higher and is younger than 3 months
Is feeding much less than usual or repeatedly cannot keep feeds down
Is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, or much less responsive
Has signs of dehydration, such as very few wet diapers or a dry mouth
Develops worsening jaundice, a swollen abdomen, or blood in the stool
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep all planned newborn, primary care, NICU follow-up, eye, hearing, and developmental appointments.
Contact the baby's healthcare service between routine visits if feeding becomes harder, weight gain is a concern, vomiting is persistent, breathing seems different, or the baby has fewer wet diapers.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Premature infant. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.