Monitoring symptoms in newborns is crucial because infants cannot express discomfort, according to Dr. To Vu Thien Huong, from the Neonatal Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they observe any of the following warning signs.

Excessive sleepiness

In their first month, infants typically sleep up to 20 hours a day. Parents must differentiate between normal deep sleep and pathological excessive sleepiness. A healthy baby will wake naturally or be easily roused every three to 4 hours for feeding and will react to external stimuli when awake. In contrast, an excessively sleepy infant will not wake for scheduled feedings, remains deeply asleep, is difficult to rouse, or only moves slightly before falling back asleep.

Poor feeding

Newborns have limited energy reserves, so poor feeding can quickly lead to dehydration, low blood sugar, jaundice, or electrolyte imbalance. This condition may be linked to fever, infection, severe jaundice, oral thrush (tongue fungus), nasal congestion, bloating, or constipation. Parents should be concerned if an infant skips two to three consecutive feedings (approximately 6-8 hours without feeding), reduces their milk intake by one-half compared to normal, or if this lasts for over 24 hours. This situation can be accompanied by lethargy, fussiness, vomiting, chest retractions, pale skin, or diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention if these signs appear.

Reduced movement

Healthy newborns typically move their limbs continuously when awake, cry, or react to sounds. Signs of concern include an infant lying still, showing no spontaneous kicking, reacting weakly or not at all to touch on their palms or feet, or having a floppy body.

Continuous crying

Unexplained continuous crying in an infant can indicate pain or an underlying medical condition such as infection, digestive, cardiovascular, or urinary problems. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if crying persists for more than two to three hours or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, poor feeding, lethargy, or a bulging fontanelle. A high-pitched or unusual cry, different from their normal crying, also warrants concern.

Cold hands and feet

Cold hands and feet are often normal in newborns due to an immature circulatory system. If the baby's chest and back remain warm and pink, they are likely well-insulated. However, parents should be concerned if the infant's hands and feet remain excessively cold despite proper warming and an appropriate room temperature. This could signal low blood sugar or an underlying medical condition.

Parents should take their child to the hospital immediately if cold hands and feet are accompanied by bluish lips or skin, a significantly low or high body temperature (fever), lethargy, difficulty waking, poor feeding, or rapid or difficult breathing.

Infrequent urination

Newborns typically feed 8-12 times a day, approximately every two to three hours. Following metabolic principles, milk intake correlates with urine output. If an infant has fewer than 6 wet diapers in a 24-hour period, it may indicate an underlying health issue requiring evaluation.

Ear discharge

Wet discharge, pus, or an unusual odor from the ear can be symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis media). This often occurs when a baby spits up milk, which then enters the nose and travels to the ear, causing infection. The interconnected structure of the ear, nose, and throat allows bacteria to spread rapidly. Timely treatment is crucial to protect the child's hearing and prevent complications.

Ngoc Chau