AS a parents it’s normal to be constantly worried about your little one.
Young children are often not able to communicate how they feel, so as a parent it’s important to know when they could be dangerously unwell.
A non-blanching rashes do not disappear with pressure and can be a sign of a serious infection Credit: Tiny Hearts Education
A sunken fontanelle (pictured) could be a sign of dehydration Credit: Tiny Hearts Education
Thankfully, a group of paramedics have put together a list of signs that your child is seriously ill and deserves medical attention.
Posting to the Tiny Hearts Education Instagram page, first aid guru explains what red flags to look out for along with photos to show what they look like.
1. Non blanching rash
Non-blanching rashes are rashes which do not disappear with pressure.
“They could be a sign of a life-threatening condition like meningococcal and warrants further investigation,” the expert explains.
The most common infections caused by a meningococcal infection are meningitis and septicemia.
Both of these types of infections are very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours.
2. Drowsy and floppy
This could suggest there has been a change in your little one’s conscious state, the experts say.
“If this happens you should get your child assessed immediately.”
3. Bulging or suddenly sunken fontanelle
Fontanelles are the soft spots on an infant’s head where the bony plates that make up the skull have not yet come together yet.
When this area looks like it’s sunk or that it’s bulging it can be a sign of dehydration, the paramedics explained.
If left untreated, severe dehydration can be serious and cause fits (seizures), brain damage and death, according to the NHS.
4. Irritablity, continuous crying and not being able to settle
This can mean several things concerning things, the experts said.
For example, excessive, inconsolable crying can be a symptom of colic
Colic affects up to one in five babies, according to the NHS.
The exact causes of colic are unknown, but it has been suggested that indigestion, trapped wind and temporary gut sensitivity could be to blame.
“Go and get them checked out,” they explained.
5. Pale and blotchy skin/change in skin colour
If your little one has a change from their normal skin colour then it’s important to take note.
For example, if they have a blue tinge on their lips, torso or nail beds then this is a medical emergency.
If they are seriously unwell, they could also become very pale compared to their usual colour – or even grey.
The gurus said that in particular – you should look out for mottled skin.
While mottling can be normal for some babies, if they don’t usually have this condition and it doesn’t go away with warming – then you should seek help.
Mottling can be caused by conditions such as poor blood circulation, lupus and side effects to certain medications.
If your child is seriously unwell, it doesn’t matter what is causing it – they will show you one or multiple red flags.
“Noticing them and seeking treatment early is the key to the best outcome for your little one,” the experts explained..
When to call an ambulance
The NHS says that you should call an ambulance in the following circumstances:
if your child stops breathing
they won’t wake up
is under eight weeks old and you are worried about them
has a severe allergic reaction
has a fit for the first time – even if they recover
has a spotty, purple or red rash anywhere on their body that does not fade when you press a glass against it – this could be a sign of blood poisoning blood poisoning (sepsis)
if you think someone has injured your bab