First Days Home With Baby: When to Call the Doctor
Because trusting your instincts is just as important as knowing the signs.
Bringing your baby home for the first time is a moment of pure joy—and let’s be honest, a little bit of nervousness too. Everything is new, and you may find yourself wondering: “Is this normal?” or “Should I call the doctor?”
Don’t worry, most newborns are perfectly healthy, and your natural instincts as a parent will guide you beautifully. Still, it's helpful to know which signs really need a doctor’s attention and which ones are nothing to stress about. So here’s a gentle guide to help you through those first few precious (and sometimes puzzling) days at home. 💛
📞 When You Should Call the Doctor
🌡️ 1. Baby Has a Fever
You don’t need to check your baby’s temperature unless something feels off—like warm or cool skin, or other symptoms. But if you do check:
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A fever in a newborn is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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A low temperature (below 97.7°F or 36.5°C) can also be a concern
Either way, please call your pediatrician.
🍼 2. Baby Is Not Eating or Peeing
Newborns should feed every 2 to 3 hours. If your baby refuses to feed, especially after a few hours, or if their wet diapers reduce, they could be getting dehydrated. It’s best to consult your doctor without delay.
🌕 3. Yellow Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
Mild jaundice is common in newborns and usually fades with regular feeding. But if the yellowing increases, especially in the eyes and face, your baby might need light therapy at a clinic. A quick visit to the doctor will confirm if it’s mild or needs treatment.
🤢 4. Green or Bloody Spit-Up
If your baby spits up something that’s:
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Green in colour (may signal a stomach issue)
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Has blood (in spit-up, stool, or around circumcision area)
…please don’t wait—call your doctor right away. These signs need medical attention.
😮💨 5. Trouble Breathing
If your baby is:
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Breathing very fast
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Making wheezing sounds
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Struggling to inhale (you might see the skin pulling in near the ribs or neck)
This is an emergency. Take your baby to the nearest hospital and inform your doctor immediately.
🌸 When You Don’t Need to Worry
Here are some things that may look alarming, but are actually quite normal in newborns:
🚼 Baby Hasn’t Pooped for a Day
It’s okay if your baby skips a poop, as long as they’re peeing normally and seem comfortable. If the next poop is soft and not hard like pellets, there’s usually no issue.
💧 Pink or Orange Stain in the Diaper
Sometimes you might notice a faint reddish or orange patch in the diaper. This is caused by urate crystals in the urine and is common during the first week. It’s not blood—and it usually goes away on its own.
🌸 A Little Blood in a Baby Girl’s Diaper
This can be surprising, but a few drops of blood in baby girls during the first few days is due to changing hormone levels after birth. It usually stops on its own and is not harmful. Still, if you’re unsure, you can always check with your doctor.
👀 Baby’s Eyes Look Crossed
If your baby’s eyes seem a little misaligned, especially when sleepy, it’s normal. Their eye muscles are still developing. Only if this continues after six months, it needs a check-up.
❤️ Final Thoughts
The early days with your newborn are full of love, learning, and yes—a little uncertainty. But remember this:
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present, patient, and tuned in to your baby’s needs.
If anything ever worries you—even if it’s not on this list—it’s absolutely okay to call your doctor. That’s what they’re there for. And more often than not, your concerns will be met with reassurance.
Take each day slowly, trust your instincts, and enjoy the beautiful beginnings of parenthood.
With love,
Your Hopper Baby Family 🌈💕
