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Warning-sign checks

Excessive crying in infants: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if your baby:

    • Has severe trouble breathing, turns blue or grey, or stops breathing
    • Is unresponsive, unusually floppy, or has a seizure
    • Has had a serious injury or may have been shaken
    • Is choking and cannot breathe or cry
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care the same day if your baby:

    • Is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher
    • Has green vomit, blood in vomit or stool, or a swollen abdomen
    • Is very sleepy, weak, difficult to wake, or refusing feeds
    • Has far fewer wet diapers or other signs of dehydration
    • Has a new rash that does not fade when pressed
    • Has a bulging soft spot, unusual high-pitched cry, or obvious severe pain
    • Cries continuously and cannot be comforted, especially if this is new
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if crying repeatedly affects feeding or sleep, your baby is not gaining weight, vomiting is frequent, or the pattern is becoming harder to manage.

    Book an appointment whenever you remain concerned, even without a specific warning sign.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Excessive crying in infants. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.