Why you must wash your hands when handling newborns

Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of newborn deaths. [iStockphoto]

If your newborn baby develops a high body temperature, is unable to feed well, is irritable, is non-responsive or loses consciousness, has a convulsion/fit or has recurrent vomiting, and/or their skin and mouth turn bluish, it's time to alert your healthcare provider.

Paediatricians advise parents of babies presenting with these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, to rule out sepsis, an infection involving the bloodstream in newborn infants less than 28 days old.