It takes time to feel confident that you know when a baby is seriously ill. With experience you start to recognise the signs. Here’s some guidance on when to call the GP or emergency services.
We have another article on common illnesses in babies and children.
Signs of serious illness – call 999
- If a baby is seriously ill and needs emergency medical help, call 999 for an ambulance and follow instructions on what to do next.
- For example, if the baby (NHS, 2023 a):
- Is under 8 weeks and you’re very worried
- Has stopped breathing or will not wake up. NHS guidance on how to resuscitate a child.
- Has a fit (febrile seizure or convulsion) for the first time, even if they recover
- Has a spotty, purple-red rash on the body including palms of hands or soles of feet that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (this could be a sign of sepsis)
- Has a severe allergic reaction
- Seems to have been seriously injured or has had an accident
Quick signs that suggest you need medical help
- Activity – unusually quiet, confused, or unresponsive
- Breathing – rapid, noisy, or difficulty breathing
- Crying – unusual, inconsolable
- Feeding – not feeding
- Nappies – drier than usual
- Skin colour – blue / ashen / pale or blotchy
- Skin rashes – this NHS page has a useful visual guide
- Temperature – normal is around 37°C. High is above 38°C for a baby under three months, and 39°C for a baby over three months. Low is below 35°C (NHS, 2023 b). Without a thermometer, look for if the baby or child is hot to the touch or shivering.
- Vomit – green
- Worried - anything unusual that is worrying you
The NHS advises that parents trust their instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else, and your concerns will be taken seriously (NHS, 2023 a).
The Lullaby Trust has a handy app which parents can use to check if it’s something that needs medical help.
When to call the GP
The General Practitioner (GP) is the first place to call if you are concerned but don’t think it’s an emergency. Their office hours are usually Monday to Friday.
They will want to know the baby or child’s age, temperature, and any other signs. They will also need to know if there has been an accident.
When to call NHS 111
If it’s not possible to get through to a doctor’s surgery or it’s outside surgery hours, use NHS 111 (NHS, 2022 a).
- You can access this by calling 111 in England, Scotland and Wales
- Northern Ireland lists numbers by Trust
- You can ask for an interpreter on this service
- For British Sign Language, you can use the NHS 111 BSL Service
- The NHS App and 111 online are not suitable for children under 5, instead call NHS 111
The 111 service may arrange an out-of-hours appointment or direct you to the best place to get help. They may offer a callback from a nurse (NHS, 2022 a).
If the baby is under 6 months, then it’s hard to assess them over the phone. An appointment may be made for you at your local urgent treatment centre (NHS, 2022 a).
Accidents
The NHS has information on what to do in case of accidents, including (NHS, 2025):
- Objects in the nose or ear
- Cuts
- Burns and scalds
- Swallowed button battery or magnet
- Feeling unwell or faint after an accident
- Electrocution
- Broken bones
Allergies
An allergy is the body’s reaction to something that isn’t usually harmful, such as dust or pollen. Although usually mild, the symptoms can be very serious (NHS, 2022 b).
Find out more about the signs of an allergic reaction on this NHS page.
Breath-holding and fainting
This is when a baby or child holds their breath for up to a minute and may faint. It can happen when the baby or child has had a shock or is in pain, or even when they are frightened, upset or angry (NHS, 2023 c).
Although it can be alarming to watch, it is usually harmless. The child will grow out of it by the time they are four or five (NHS, 2023 c).
Call 999 if (NHS, 2023 c):
- The child cannot be woken up
- They are stiff, shaking or jerking
- Their lips, tongue or skin turn pale, blue or grey (on Black or Brown skin this can be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)
See the GP if the child is having frequent episodes of breath-holding or it is affecting everyday life (NHS, 2023 c).
Burns and scalds
Babies and children have skin that is much more delicate than adults and far more easily damaged.
If a child experiences a burn or scald, follow this guidance from the NHS.
Think cool, cover and call (NHS, 2025).
- Cool the burn or scald under cool (not freezing) running water for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove clothing and jewellery from the area (unless it is melted and firmly stuck to the wound). Keep the rest of their body warm with clothing or blankets.
- If there’s no running water available, cool the skin by putting the burn or scald in cool water or another cool liquid.
- Cover with something clean and not fluffy. This could be loosely applied cling film or a clean plastic bag (but not over the face).
- Call 999 or go to the Emergency Department if the burn is severe. If unsure, call NHS 111 (NHS, 2022 d).
Don’t put butter, cream or ointment on the burn or scald (NHS, 2025).
Choking
One of the ways that babies explore the world is by putting objects in their mouths. Small objects like marbles or beads can easily get lodged in a child’s airway. Keep them out of reach (NHS, 2024).
Babies can also choke when eating solid foods. This is more likely with round foods like grapes or cherry tomatoes if they are not cut up, and hard foods like whole nuts or uncooked vegetables.
Follow this guidance from the NHS on helping a choking child.
If a baby is choking (NHS, 2024):
- Don’t leave them
- Try to remove the object if it can be seen
- If it can’t be seen, don’t try and touch the area with fingers to find it as it might poke it further down
- If the baby or child is choking loudly, they should be encouraged to keep coughing and bring the object up
- If they are making no noise, shout for help and use back blows or chest thrusts (for a baby under one year), or back blows and abdominal thrusts (for a baby over one year)
- More than one method may need to be used
- Keep checking the child to see if the item is dislodged, if not call 999 but stay with them
- Even if the object comes out, they will need medical help to check the item is fully removed and they are ok
If the baby or child becomes unconscious:
- Don’t leave them
- Put them on a firm, flat surface and call for help
- Call 999 with the phone on speaker
- Check their mouth and remove the object if it can be seen
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Dehydration
This is when the body loses more water than it takes in. Babies and children are more at risk of dehydration than adults (NHS, 2022 c).
It can happen if the baby or child (NHS, 2022 c):
- Has vomiting or diarrhoea
- Has been in the sun for a long time
- Has a high temperature
- Has diabetes
This NHS page has more information about the signs of dehydration and when it needs medical attention.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Babies and children commonly experience a few days of diarrhoea and vomiting. This may be caused by a seasonal virus and can usually be treated at home (NHS, 2023 d). Read more in our article.
Meningitis
Babies and children are more likely to be affected by meningitis than adults. Meningitis can cause sepsis and irreversible damage to the nerves and brain if not treated quickly (NHS, 2022 d).
It’s important to know the signs (NHS, 2022 d).
These include some, but not always all, of the below (NHS, 2022 c):
- High temperature
- Rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Being sick
- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
Call 999 or go to the Emergency Department immediately if a baby seems to have any signs of meningitis or sepsis. Don’t wait for a rash to develop as symptoms can get worse quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you think you’ve been exposed or are not sure.
Meningitis Now has more information.
Routine childhood vaccinations can provide some protection against meningitis (NHS, 2022 d). Even if the baby is vaccinated, seek urgent medical advice if they have these symptoms.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection which can get worse quickly. Read about the signs and treatment in our article.
Keeping babies and children safe
Accidents and illness can be scary for any parent. It’s a good idea to be prepared, and our NCT First Aid course with Mini First Aid can help parents feel more confident.
These websites also provide information:
Child Accident Prevention Trust
NHS (2022 a) When to use NHS 111 online or call 111. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when… [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2022 b) Allergies. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/ [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2022 c) Dehydration. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/ [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2022 d) Meningitis - overview. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2023 a) Is your baby or toddler seriously ill? https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/is-your-baby-or-toddler-seriously-ill/ [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2023 b) Hypothermia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothermia/ [19 Mar 26]
NHS (2023 c) Breath-holding in babies and children. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breath-holding-in-babies-and-children/ [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2023 d) Diarrhoea and vomiting. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ [6 Feb 26]
NHS (2024) How to stop a child from choking. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/how-to-stop-a-ch… [5 Feb 26]
NHS (2025) What to do if your child has an accident. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-yo… [5 Feb 26]
