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Warning-sign checks

Sudden infant death syndrome: 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 immediately if a baby:

    • Is unresponsive or cannot be woken
    • Is not breathing normally or is only gasping
    • Becomes limp
    • Has blue or grey lips or tongue

    Begin infant CPR and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.

    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

    Do not wait to see whether the baby improves.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for a living baby who has pauses in breathing, marked breathing difficulty, a major colour change, unusual limpness, a seizure, or severe difficulty waking.

    These events are not SIDS, but they may signal another serious problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine help is appropriate if you want advice about a baby's sleep space or have concerns about breathing during sleep.

    After an infant death, arrange support if grief, anxiety, or sleep problems are making everyday life difficult.

The article also says

Get immediate crisis help if grief leads to thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or being unable to remain safe.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sudden infant death syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.