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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months needs immediate medical assessment.
Call emergency services if the baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, becomes limp or unresponsive, looks very pale or blue, or has substantial ongoing bleeding.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if a breast becomes red, hot, increasingly swollen, or painful, or if pus or bloody fluid comes from the nipple.
These can be signs of infection or another breast problem.
Do not wait for a routine appointment, even if the baby otherwise seems well.
Seek prompt medical advice if:
Vaginal bleeding is more than light spotting
Bleeding continues, returns, or contains clots
Discharge smells unpleasant or looks like pus
The baby feeds poorly, vomits repeatedly, or is unusually sleepy
Genital swelling is increasing, discolored, or appears painful
You cannot tell where blood in the diaper is coming from
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Mild breast swelling, a few drops of milk, white vaginal discharge, or brief light spotting in an otherwise well newborn can usually be discussed during routine newborn follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hormonal effects in newborns. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.