As part of the Connecticut Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Bracelet Initiative, hospitals are raising awareness about signs that a newborn needs urgent medical attention, when and where to seek care, and recommended safe sleep practices.
Bracelet Initiative Campaign
Urgent Newborn Warning Signs
Urgent Newborn Warning Signs
Seek medical attention if baby is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below.
CALL 911 if baby:
Is not breathing
Begin CPR immediately
Is unresponsive
Floppy or limp like a rag doll and can’t wake up
Has a seizure
May look like unusual body, eye, or facial movements you can’t stop
GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR URGENT CARE if baby has:
Sudden change in color
Blue, grey, or pale, especially around the mouth/lips/tongue
Difficulty breathing
A pause in breathing that worries you · Breathing fast (more than 60 breaths per minute) · Noisy while breathing (wheezing or whistling sounds) · Sucking in below or between the ribs and/ or in the neck with each breath
Green spit-up
May be a sign of a surgical emergency
CALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER if baby:
Has a low or high temperature
Below 97.7°F or above 100.4°F
Has yellow eyes or skin
May be signs of jaundice
Is crying more than usual
Excessively fussy and difficult to comfort
Is not eating well
Unusual vomiting · Less than 8 feedings in 24 hours · Regularly needs to be awakened for feedings · Refuses several feedings · Unable to suck and swallow well · Eating for shorter periods of time or taking less than usual from a bottle
Has a change in wet or dirty diapers
Decrease in the number of wet diapers per day · Stomach seems rounder and harder than usual · Blood in the diaper
Shows signs of illness or infection
Redness or drainage from the umbilical cord· Bleeding or discharge from the circumcision site · Cough · Runny or stuffy nose
Patient Handout
Urgent Newborn Warning Signs and Safe Sleep for Babies
This handout supports consistent education for parents and caregivers on signs that may indicate a newborn needs urgent medical attention, when and where to seek care, and recommended safe sleep practices.
Safe Sleep Practices
Share these safe sleep practices with everyone who cares for baby.
These simple steps can help keep baby safe while they sleep.
Back to Sleep
For every sleep, including naps and night, place baby on their back, face up. Caregivers can offer a pacifier, with no attachments, during sleep times.
Firm, Flat, Clear Sleep Surface
Baby should sleep on safety-approved crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper with a fitted sheet. Surfaces should be firm, flat, and clear of toys, pillows and blankets, and soft bumpers.
Share Your Room, Not Your Bed
Give baby their own sleep space in your room. After snuggles and night feedings, or if you feel sleepy, put baby in their space. Never fall asleep together on a bed, couch, chair, or other soft surface.
Comfortable, Clean Environment
To prevent overheating, dress baby in one extra layer than you’d wear. Keep baby’s head and face uncovered. Avoid loose blankets and use a sleep sack instead.
Safe Sleep Surfaces Only
Car seats, infant carriers, and swings are not intended for routine sleep. Baby’s head can fall forward and make it difficult to breathe. If baby falls asleep in a car seat, carrier, or swing, move them to a safe, flat sleep surface as soon as you can.
Set Up Sleep Support for Yourself
It’s okay to ask for help. A trusted partner, family member, or friend can care for baby while you get some rest. Make sure everyone caring for baby is alert and not impaired by alcohol, marijuana, medications, or other substances that cause drowsiness.
Safe Sleep Resources
Bedsharing and Breastfeeding
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC)
