Baby and Child Danger Signs
When your child is in danger and you need to get help from a doctor quickly or call 111.
If your baby or child shows any of the following signs, you should get help immediately from a doctor or call 111.
GENERAL
- They cannot be woken or they are responding less than usual to what is going on around them.
- They have glazed eyes and are not focusing on anything.
- They seem more floppy, drowsy or less alert than usual.
- They are having a convulsion or fit.
- They have an unusual cry (high pitched, weak or continuous) for one hour or more.
- They have severe abdominal pain.
- They have a bulge in the groin that gets bigger with crying.
TEMPERATURE
- They feel too cold or hot (temperature below 35°C or above 38.5°C).
SKIN COLOUR AND CIRCULATION
- A blue colour has developed around their mouth.
- A rash had developed with reddish-purple spots or bruises.
- Their skin is much paler than usual or suddenly goes very white.
- Their nails are blue, or their big toe is completely white or mottled, or colour does not return to the toe within three seconds of a squeeze.
BREATHING
- They are struggling to breathe or have stopped breathing.
- They are breathing more quickly than normal or are grunting when breathing out.
- They are making a wheezing sound when breathing out.
VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA
- They have vomited up at least half of their feed (food or milk) after each of the last three feeds.
- Their vomit is green.
- They have both vomiting and diarrhoea.
- They have drunk less fluid and have fewer wet nappies or visits to the toilet than usual.
- They have blood in their poo.
