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.