Paediatricians urge parents to act on newborn danger signs

Paediatric specialists are warning parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention when newborns display critical warning signs. Key symptoms include breathing difficulties such as rapid or irregular breathing, nostril flaring, grunting or chest wall pulling, convulsions or seizures, abnormal skin colour (pallor, severe jaundice or bluish lips and tongue), and extreme cold or high fever. Dr. Aminu Mohammad, a paediatric surgeon at Bayero University in Kano, emphasized that delays can lead to severe complications or death and that infants under three months with fever require prompt assessment.

The guidance stresses that caregivers should trust their instincts and contact emergency services or take the child to a hospital without hesitation. Preventive measures such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, hygiene, and early breastfeeding are also highlighted to improve newborn health outcomes.