Dr. Niranjan Shendurnikar Newborn babies are somewhat different from older children as they often have subtle signs and symptoms of illness rather than florid usual symptoms observed in older children. These differences are due to combination of factors such as their physiological immaturity of systems, relatively limited capacity to mount an attack on germs particularly in small and pre-term babies, increased heat losses from their body surfaces and few nutritional and metabolic limitations. Early recognition of a newborn with sickness thus becomes important, as it could become vital factor for appropriate management and a good outcome. However if the yellow ness appears on the first day of life itself or it involves palms or soles, consult your doctor immediately. This could be observed by pressing and blanching the baby s sole for a few seconds with your thumb and looking out for the return of color, whether it is pink or yellow.
Newborns keep their eyes closed for most of the times but become arousable with gentle stimulation.
If a baby who was crying lustily before develops a weak cry, difficulty in feeding or becomes listless needs medical attention. Such a baby may be small or premature, or has an infection, or may be too cold. Remember that irritability in newborn is rather infrequent as compared to sluggish activity. You can count the baby s breathing rate when he or she is resting and quiet and not while crying or immediately after feeding the baby. To find out whether the baby is feeling cold or not, touch the sole of foot with the back of your hand and then touch the tummy.