Common Health Issues in Babies and When to Get Help

Babies pick up lots of minor illnesses in their first year, such as colds, tummy upsets, rashes and unsettled crying. Most are mild and get better on their own with comfort, feeding and rest. But babies can become unwell more quickly than older children, so it’s important to know the warning signs that mean your baby needs to be seen urgently.

This guide covers the most common health issues in babies, what you can do at home, when to see a doctor and when to call 000.

Know the warning signs first

Call 000 or go straight to your nearest emergency department if your baby:

• is under 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C or higher
• is having trouble breathing, breathing very fast, grunting, or sucking in at the ribs or throat with each breath
• has pauses in breathing, or blue, grey or very pale skin or lips
• is floppy, very drowsy, hard to wake or unusually unresponsive
• has a rash that doesn’t fade when you press on it
• has a seizure (fit)
• has a bulging soft spot on the top of the head
• is crying constantly and can’t be settled, or has a weak, high-pitched cry
• is refusing feeds, or has very few wet nappies (healthdirect suggests fewer than 4 in 24 hours is a sign of dehydration)
• has green vomit, or blood in their vomit or poo
• becomes very unwell very quickly

You know your baby best. If you’re worried, even if your baby doesn’t fit these descriptions, get help. Healthdirect’s page on symptoms of serious illness in babies and children is a useful reference.

Colds and coughs

Babies often have several colds in their first year. Symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a mild cough and sometimes a low fever. A blocked nose can make feeding harder.

What helps: offer smaller, more frequent feeds, use saline nose drops before feeds, and keep your baby comfortable. Don’t give cough and cold medicines to babies. Never give honey to babies under 12 months.

Antibiotics don’t help colds. Read more about coughs and colds in children.

RSV and bronchiolitis

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause bronchiolitis in babies, an infection of the small airways that leads to a cough, wheeze, fast breathing and difficulty feeding. It’s most serious in babies under 6 months. An RSV vaccine in pregnancy, or an RSV immunisation for the baby, can help protect babies. Our article on common respiratory viruses has more information.

Fever

Fever (38°C or higher) usually means the body is fighting an infection, often a virus. In babies under 3 months, any fever needs to be checked at an emergency department straight away, according to healthdirect.

For older babies, how your baby is behaving matters more than the number on the thermometer. Offer extra feeds and see a doctor if the fever lasts more than a day or two, or if your baby seems unwell, isn’t feeding or is unusually sleepy. Fever medicine is only needed if your baby is uncomfortable; ask a pharmacist about the right product and dose for their age and weight.

Ear infections

Middle ear infections are common, often after a cold. Signs include fever, pulling at the ear, extra crying, waking at night and being off feeds. Many settle within a few days, but a doctor needs to look inside the ear to diagnose one, so this usually means an in-person visit. Antibiotics are recommended in some situations, including for young babies. See a doctor if your baby has ear pain with fever, ear discharge, or seems unwell.

Gastro (vomiting and diarrhoea)

Gastro can quickly lead to dehydration in babies. Keep breastfeeding or formula feeding, offering feeds more often. Your doctor may suggest oral rehydration solution as well.

Healthdirect advises that babies under 6 months with suspected gastro should always be seen by a doctor. Older babies should be seen if they’re vomiting most feeds, have fewer wet nappies, have blood in their poo, or seem unwell. Our guide to managing gastro at home explains more. The rotavirus vaccine, given at 2 and 4 months, protects against one of the main causes of severe gastro in babies.

It’s normal for many babies to bring up small amounts of milk after feeds (posseting or reflux). See a doctor if your baby vomits forcefully, isn’t gaining weight, or seems distressed during feeds.

Nappy rash

Nappy rash is red, sore skin caused by contact with wee and poo. To help:

• change nappies often, as soon as they’re wet or dirty
• clean gently with water and pat dry
• let your baby spend some time without a nappy each day
• apply a barrier cream at each change
• avoid soaps, wipes with alcohol or fragrance, and talcum powder

See a doctor if the rash doesn’t improve within a few days, has blisters or pus, spreads beyond the nappy area, is bright red with spots at the edges (possible thrush), or your baby has a fever.

Colic and unsettled crying

All babies cry, and crying often increases from around 2 weeks of age, peaks at about 6 to 8 weeks, and then gradually settles by 3 to 4 months. Long bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often in the evening, are sometimes called colic.

Cuddling, gentle rocking, a warm bath, a quiet darkened room or a walk in the pram may help. It’s important to have your baby checked by a doctor to rule out other causes, such as illness, feeding difficulties or reflux.

Unsettled crying is exhausting. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely in their cot and take a few minutes to calm yourself. Never shake a baby. Talk to your GP or child health nurse, and contact a parenting helpline in your state or territory for support.

Keeping your baby healthy

• Vaccinate on time. Follow the childhood immunisation schedule, which includes vaccines at birth, 2, 4, 6 and 12 months.
• Wash your hands before feeding and after nappy changes, and ask visitors with colds to wait until they’re well.
• Feed well. Breastfeeding helps protect babies against some infections. If you’re formula feeding, prepare bottles safely as the tin directs.
• Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke and vaping.
• Follow safe sleep advice: on their back, in their own cot, with a firm, flat mattress and no pillows, bumpers or soft toys.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs are available by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. A GP can:

• talk through your baby’s symptoms and help you decide what to do next
• give advice on feeding, fluids, fever and comfort care
• see visible problems such as rashes over video
• prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• provide a carer’s leave certificate so you can stay home with your baby
• tell you if your baby needs to be examined in person, which is often needed for ear infections, breathing problems and young babies with fever

Telehealth isn’t suitable for emergencies. If your baby has any of the warning signs above, call 000 or go to an emergency department.

Consultations for babies under 12 months are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Your baby needs to be listed on a Medicare card. See our fees page for details.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take my baby to hospital for a fever?

Take your baby to an emergency department straight away if they’re under 3 months old and have a fever of 38°C or higher. For older babies, go to hospital if they also have trouble breathing, are floppy or very drowsy, have a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, or aren’t feeding.

How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?

Signs include fewer wet nappies than usual, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, a sunken soft spot, and being unusually sleepy or floppy. Fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours is a warning sign. See a doctor urgently if you notice these.

Are telehealth consultations for babies bulk billed?

Yes. Teldoc bulk bills consultations for babies under 12 months with a valid Medicare card, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.

Can a doctor assess my baby over telehealth?

A GP can help with many concerns by phone or video, such as rashes, feeding questions and mild colds. Some problems, such as ear infections, breathing difficulties and fever in young babies, need an in-person examination. Your doctor will tell you if your baby needs to be seen.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026