Spotting signs of serious illness
It can be difficult to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts.
You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong.
Signs of serious illness in a baby or toddler
Here's a checklist of warning signs that might be serious:
Temperature
- a high temperature, but cold feet and hands
- a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
- a very high or low temperature
- your child feels hot or cold to touch, or is shivering
- your child is quiet and listless, even when their temperature is not high
- a high temperature in a baby less than 8 weeks old
Breathing
- rapid breathing or panting
- a throaty noise while breathing
- your child is finding it hard to get their breath and is sucking their stomach in under their ribs
Other signs
- blue, pale, blotchy, or ashen (grey) skin
- your child is hard to wake up, or appears disorientated or confused
- they are crying constantly and you can't console or distract them, or the cry doesn't sound like their normal cry
- green vomit
- your child has a fit (convulsion or seizure) for the first time
- your child is under eight weeks old and doesn't want to feed
- nappies that are drier than usual - this is a sign of dehydration
If your child has any of these signs, get medical help as soon as possible:
- during the day from Monday to Friday - it's best to call your GP practice
- evenings and weekends - call NHS 111 Wales
- if your baby is under six months old it's hard for a doctor or nurse to assess them over the phone - you can go to an urgent care (walk-in) centre or, if you are very worried, take them to accident and emergency (A&E)
When to call an ambulance
Call 999 for an ambulance if your child:
- stops breathing
- won't wake up
- has a spotty, purple-red rash anywhere on the body that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it - this could be a sign of blood poisoning (septicaemia)
- is under eight weeks old and you are very worried about them
- has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover
- has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- if you think someone may have seriously injured your baby
Again, trust your instincts. You know what’s different or worrying behaviour in your child.
Spot the signs of childhood diseases
Learn the signs of serious diseases that can affect children:
Last Updated: 27/06/2023 10:53:12
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by
NHS website
nhs.uk