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
Seek emergency care if the baby is difficult to wake, becomes floppy or unusually stiff, has a high-pitched cry, arches the neck or back, has breathing pauses, or has a seizure.
These can be signs of severe illness or bilirubin affecting the brain.
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 the baby's maternity or pediatric care team promptly if:
Yellowing appears during the first 24 hours after birth
The yellow color is spreading, deepening, or returning
The baby feeds poorly or repeatedly misses feeds
There are fewer wet diapers or signs of dehydration
Jaundice remains visible beyond the expected early newborn period
Urine is persistently dark or stools are pale, white, or chalky
Arrange urgent medical assessment for any fever in a young newborn.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher can be a sign of infection and should not be managed as routine jaundice follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Newborn jaundice. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.