Common Newborn Health Concerns and When to Call the Doctor

25 January 2026

Bringing a newborn home is both magical and nerve-wracking. That fresh baby smell, the tiny fingers grasping yours, the coos–it’s all heart-melting. But then, you start to notice little things: a weird rash, runny poop, or a baby suddenly crying like they’re auditioning for an opera. Sound familiar?

Newborns are delicate little beings, and it’s totally normal for new parents to worry about every hiccup (literally). The truth is, many newborn health concerns are harmless and will resolve on their own. That said, some symptoms are red flags that should never be ignored.

Let’s walk through some of the most common newborn health issues, how to handle them, and most importantly—when it’s time to call the doctor.

1. Baby Acne and Skin Rashes

What’s Normal?

Don’t be surprised if your baby's perfect skin breaks out into tiny pimples or red blotches in the first few weeks. This is often just baby acne or a newborn rash—both completely normal and nothing to panic about.

These rashes usually pop up because of hormones passed from mom to baby before birth. Baby acne can look like little pimples on the face, while erythema toxicum (a common newborn rash) appears as red patches with tiny white or yellow spots.

When to Worry

- Rash is spreading rapidly or blistering
- Baby has a fever
- Rash looks infected (oozing pus or very red)

> 🩺 Call the doctor if your baby's rash comes with fever, seems painful when touched, or you suspect an allergic reaction.

2. Spitting Up and Reflux

What’s Normal?

Welcome to the land of bibs and burp cloths! Spitting up is super common among newborns—especially after feeding. Their digestive system is still developing, and they eat frequently, so a little "overflow" is bound to happen.

As long as your baby is gaining weight, has plenty of wet diapers, and seems content, spitting up is just a part of baby life.

When to Worry

- Spit-up is forceful (projectile vomiting)
- Baby isn’t gaining weight
- Baby seems irritable after feedings or arches their back

> 🩺 Call the doctor if vomiting is forceful, consistent, or if your baby isn’t feeding well or seems in discomfort.

3. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes)

What’s Normal?

A slight yellow tinge to your newborn’s skin or eyes in the first week isn’t uncommon. It’s called jaundice, and it happens due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Most cases clear up on their own or with a little photo therapy (light treatment).

When to Worry

- Yellow spreads to the arms, legs, or gets deeper
- Baby is unusually sleepy or hard to wake
- Baby isn’t feeding well

> 🩺 Call the doctor if jaundice seems to be getting worse rather than better, or your baby is lethargic and not eating well.

4. Fever in a Newborn

What’s Normal?

Here’s the deal—fever in a newborn isn’t something to take lightly. If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it’s a medical emergency until proven otherwise.

Newborns don’t have mature immune systems, and even a mild fever could point to a serious infection.

When to Worry

Always. Any fever in a baby under 3 months old should be checked immediately.

> 🩺 Call the doctor or visit the ER immediately if your baby has a fever of 100.4°F or more.

5. Breathing Patterns and Noisy Breathing

What’s Normal?

Newborns are weird breathers. They can take several rapid breaths, then pause for a few seconds, and start again. This is called “periodic breathing” and it’s totally normal.

You might also hear snorts, grunts, or whistles—that’s just baby figuring out how to breathe and use their tiny airways.

When to Worry

- Baby appears to be struggling to breathe
- Lips or face turn blue or gray
- You see chest sinking in with each breath

> 🩺 Call the doctor or go to the ER immediately if your baby has labored breathing, blue lips, or long pauses between breaths.

6. Constipation or Poop Problems

What’s Normal?

Newborn poop ranges from liquid gold to mustardy mush—and everything in between. It's common for breastfed babies to go a few days without pooping because breast milk is perfectly digested.

Formula-fed babies may poop more regularly but may also pass firmer stools.

When to Worry

- Less than one poop in several days, and baby seems uncomfortable
- Stools are very hard or pebble-like
- Blood in the poop

> 🩺 Call the doctor if your baby shows signs of constipation, cries during bowel movements, or if you notice blood.

7. Crying (A Lot) and Colic

What’s Normal?

Ah, the infamous "witching hour." Some babies cry—a lot—and sometimes, for what seems like no reason at all. If your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding, burping, peeing, and pooping just fine, they might just be a colicky little human.

Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks. Though no one knows exactly why it happens, rest assured, it’s not your fault.

When to Worry

- Crying sounds painful or high-pitched
- Baby is inconsolable for hours
- Feeding less or not at all

> 🩺 Call the doctor if your baby cries excessively and nothing (not even your secret swing dance move) soothes them.

8. Umbilical Cord Care and Infections

What’s Normal?

Until the umbilical stump falls off (usually within 1–3 weeks), it’ll look pretty gnarly. Some oozing or a bit of blood is normal as it dries up.

Just keep it clean and dry. No need for alcohol swabs—less is more these days.

When to Worry

- Foul-smelling discharge
- Red, swollen skin around the base
- Baby cries when the area is touched

> 🩺 Call the doctor if you suspect the umbilical cord stump is infected or baby seems in pain when it’s touched.

9. Feeding Difficulties

What’s Normal?

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding can come with a learning curve—for both of you. It’s okay if your baby takes time to latch or prefers one side. What matters is that they’re gaining weight and having enough wet diapers.

When to Worry

- Baby isn’t feeding at least every 2–4 hours
- Few or no wet diapers
- Baby is too sleepy to feed or won’t latch

> 🩺 Call the doctor or a lactation consultant if feeding feels like an uphill battle and your baby isn’t showing signs of fullness or hydration.

10. Cold Symptoms in a Newborn

What’s Normal?

A stuffy nose isn’t rare in newborns. They’re breathing through tiny little nostrils and still regulating their immune responses. Saline drops and a gentle nasal aspirator can work wonders.

When to Worry

- Baby is under 3 months and seems sick
- Trouble feeding due to congestion
- Coughing, wheezing, or fever

> 🩺 Call the doctor if your baby has cold symptoms for more than a couple of days or is having trouble eating or breathing.

What’s a Normal Day with a Newborn Look Like?

Let’s face it: some days will be chaos wrapped in a swaddle. Crying, spitting up, diaper explosions—check, check, check. But as long as your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, peeing (about 6 or more diapers a day), pooping, and alert during wake times, you’re likely doing just fine.

Still, your instincts matter. If something feels “off,” don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician. Nobody expects you to be a baby whisperer overnight.

> Think of your doctor as your safety net, not your judge. They’ve seen it all, and they’re here to help, not grade your parenting skills.

Final Thoughts

Newborns come with a lot of noise, mess, and mystery. It’s 100% okay to question everything—even if it turns out to be nothing. Trust your gut, make a note of symptoms, and when in doubt, pick up the phone.

Parenting is a wild ride, especially in the beginning. But with love, patience, and a little professional backup, you’ll learn the ropes faster than you think.

Breathe. You've got this.