It’s natural to worry more about whether your baby needs medical care if they were born prematurely, especially if they’ve been very ill or have special needs. Much of the guidance you’ll receive is the same as that given to the parents of any newborn. If your baby has a fever in the first few months of life, you should always call for medical help because you don't know if it may develop into something to worry about. With a young baby, you should never just guess: take their temperature with a chemist-bought baby thermometer to check whether it's raised. You can also buy forehead strips, which are simple to use and inexpensive. However, ear thermometers are more accurate and also quick and easy to use; they come with a disposable tip. They're a little more expensive than forehead strips, but invariably a good investment.

You should also call for medical help if your baby has any of the following symptoms:

Excessive irritability much of the time
Sweating a lot when feeding
Not feeding properly, taking less than half their normal formula feeds, or stopping more quickly than
Vomiting large amounts daily when you’re breastfeeding
Urinating less than usual (meaning fewer wet nappies)
Drowsiness, floppiness, lethargy, or not waking up for feeds are all reasons to pick up the phone.

You should seek urgent medical help if your baby has any of the following:

Colour change: blue, purple, or pale
Fast breathing
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Apnoea (stopping breathing)
Unresponsiveness

If you are worried that something isn't right, even if you can't quite put your finger on what's worrying you, see a doctor or speak to the community health team right away.

Who should I go to for everyday support?

If you’re in the UK, your premature baby will come under the care of either the neonatal community service, who will reach out to you while you’re still in the neonatal unit, or the children’s community nursing service. Your health visitor will also make contact once your baby is home. This person is a nurse with additional training in child health and development. They will monitor your baby’s progress over time and can offer information on care, vaccinations, developmental concerns, and anything else you need to know. We highly recommend you take their advice on local baby and postnatal support groups.

Bronchiolitis and meningitis in premature babies

Some health issues can affect a premature baby especially badly. For this reason, we’re going to take a look at some red flags for bronchiolitis and meningitis.

How do I know if my baby has bronchiolitis?

Premature babies are at increased risk of bronchiolitis, which causes inflammation of the smallest airways in the lungs. The illness is most common in the autumn and winter, and babies on oxygen are particularly vulnerable. Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Symptoms include:

Wheezing
A distinctive rasping cough
A raised temperature
Refusing to feed because they can’t suck and inhale simultaneously

If your baby develops any or all of the above symptoms, get them to a doctor. If their lips turn blue or purple or they are struggling to breathe, call an ambulance. There is no specific treatment, but a significant number of babies who have bronchiolitis need to be admitted to the hospital for oxygen and help with feeding.

How do I know if my baby has meningitis?

This infection of the membranes that cover the brain can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis can cause long-term problems if it is not treated promptly. Symptoms in your baby might include a high-pitched or weak cry; bulging fontanelle; vomiting; irritability, drowsiness, and floppiness; a rash or blotchy, clammy skin. The rash of dark spots that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass and used to be shown in government ads about meningitis may not be present. If you suspect meningitis, seek medical help urgently.

When should I call the doctor about my premature baby?