5 Newborn Vital Signs That Single Mothers Should Never Ignore
Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Kathy
Having a baby is one of the most joyous experiences in life, but it comes with new responsibilities and worries, especially if you are a single mother. As a single mom, you must remain vigilant regarding their well-being and understand how to care for them correctly. Here are a few vital signs you should never ignore when it comes to the health of your precious newborn:
Fever In Newborn
Although a mild fever is entirely normal for a newborn, anything above 101°F (38.3°C) will require attention from the doctor, especially if your baby has a rash or difficulty breathing. Keep track of temperature changes and record them so you can better explain the situation to your pediatrician. A fever may be caused by an infection and should never be ignored. You can easily keep your baby’s temperature in check with a thermometer. Digital ear thermometers are the most efficient, but you can also opt for an underarm or rectal one if necessary.
Failure To Respond To Audio Triggers
Newborns react to sound and light. When feeling well, they should respond with a smile or by moving their eyes toward the stimulus. If your baby isn’t responding to audio triggers like talking, singing, or clapping, it could be a sign of hearing loss or an ear infection.
Make sure to keep an eye out for signs of infection and if anything seems off, contact your pediatrician immediately. Companies like HearCanada offer a variety of hearing tests for babies so that you can quickly get to the root of the problem. The sooner you detect hearing loss, the better, as it could be a sign of a larger issue.
Poor Appetite Can Be One Of The Newborn Vital Signs
Newborns may not always want to eat due to various issues, such as hunger or teething pain. However, if they’re consistently refusing to eat, then this is something you should take seriously. The lack of appetite could be caused by an infection or even a milk allergy.
Keep track of how much your baby is eating, and inform your pediatrician if the appetite drops significantly. Poor appetite could indicate an underlying medical condition, such as an infection or digestive trouble. If your baby refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, then it’s essential to contact the doctor immediately.
Excessive Crying
Newborns cry to communicate their needs, so it’s important to distinguish between normal crying and excessive wailing and tantrums. Excessive crying could be a sign of reflux, colic, or even more severe, like an infection. Pay attention to your baby’s cries and try to identify the cause. If your baby is inconsolable and the crying persists for more than three hours a day, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diarrhea And Vomiting Are Vital Signs In Newborn
It’s normal for newborns to experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea due to their immature digestive system or variations in the formula. However, if these symptoms become more frequent, this could be a sign of something serious. As a single mom, monitoring your baby’s bowel movements is an excellent way to spot any potential issues. If your baby experiences more than three episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in 24 hours, then it’s essential to contact your pediatrician immediately. Diarrhea and vomiting can indicate an infection or food allergies and should never be ignored.
It’s important to stay vigilant and watch for potential red flags. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and get a private scan to ensure your baby is healthy and safe. Understanding these signs will help you provide the best care possible for your newborn.
