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 now if a baby:
Vomits green liquid
Is difficult to wake, unusually floppy, or much less responsive
Has trouble breathing, blue or grey skin, or a swollen abdomen
Has very few wet diapers or other signs of significant dehydration
Vomits blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
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
Arrange an urgent same-day medical assessment if a young baby has repeated forceful vomiting, especially if it is becoming stronger or happening after most feeds.
Prompt assessment is also important if the baby remains hungry but cannot keep milk down, is gaining weight poorly, or has fewer wet diapers.
After surgery, contact the treating team promptly if forceful vomiting continues or returns, the baby cannot keep feeds down, or the wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or starts draining fluid.
A fever in a young infant also needs prompt medical assessment.
Occasional small spit-ups in an otherwise comfortable baby may be discussed at a planned review, but worsening or forceful vomiting should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is used to check feeding, weight gain, healing, and any ongoing vomiting.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pyloric stenosis in infants. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.