DANGER SIGNS
Get help quickly from a doctor or phone 111 if your baby or child shows any of the danger signs listed below.
GENERAL
- You cannot wake them or they respond 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 have a convulsion or fit.
- They have an unusual cry (high-pitched, weak, or continuous) for one hour or more.
- They have severe tummy pain.
- They have a bulge or lump in their groin (where the thigh joins the body)that gets bigger when they cry.
SKIN COLOUR AND CIRCULATION
- Their skin is much paler than usual or suddenly goes very white.
- Their nails are blue, or their big toe is completely white or spotty, or the colour does not return to the toe within three seconds of a squeeze.
- The skin around their mouth turns blue.
- A rash develops with reddish-purple spots or bruises — it’s especially important if the spots or bruises don’t disappear when you press a glass onto them.
BREATHING:
- They find it difficult to breathe or stop breathing.
- They breathe more quickly than normal or grunt when breathing out.
- They make a high-pitched whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing out.
VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA
- They have vomited (thrown up) at least half the feed (food or milk) after each of the last three feeds.
- Their vomit is green.
- They have both vomiting and diarrhoea (loose and watery poo).
- They have drunk less and have fewer wet nappies or visits to the toilet than usual.
- They have blood in their poo.
If you are worried about your baby or child, ring Healthline (0800 611-116) or take them to their doctor or practice nurse.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
- Ambulance 111
- National Poisons Centre 0800 764-766
- Healthline 0800 611-116
