When to Call for Problems in Newborns: Care Instructions
Your baby may need medical care if they have any of these signs.
Call 911 immediately if your baby is having any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing, is breathing slowly, or has stopped breathing.
- Working harder to breath or is wheezing.
- Blue or grey or pale skin.
- Limp or not moving.
Call your baby's doctor or the 24/7 New Parent and Newborn Line at 1-833-8052-BABY (2229) now if your baby has any of the following:
- Trouble waking up.
- Too sleepy to feed.
- Has an armpit (axillary) temperature that is less than 36.5°C (97.7°F) or that is 37.5°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Seems hot, but you can't take their temperature.
- Has less than 6 wet diapers over 24 hours.
- Looks more yellow in their eyes and skin 3 to 4 days after birth, and seems very sleepy during feeds.
- Has pus or reddish skin on or around the umbilical cord.
Watch closely for changes in your baby's health, and contact your doctor or the 24/7 New Parent and Newborn Line at 1-833-805-BABY(2229) if your baby:
- Cries in an unusual way or for an unusual length of time.
- Is rarely awake.
- Does not wake up for feedings, seems too tired to eat, or isn't interested in eating.
- Is very fussy.
- Seems sick.
- Is not having regular bowel movements.
You can call your baby's doctor or the 24/7 New Parent and Newborn Line at 1-833-8052-BABY (2229) if you have any questions.
Write down this information. Share it with your baby's doctor.
Your baby's birth date:
Date and time your baby started having problems:
Problems your baby has:
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter C456 in the search box to learn more about "When to Call for Problems in Newborns: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 07/28/2026
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
