Sick or Fussy? Normal and Abnormal Findings in the First Week of Life

“Neonates are not just small children.” Health care providers in the emergency department should recognize presenting signs and symptoms of neonatal clinical problems in order to differentiate “sick” from merely “fussy” newborns. In this review, common neonatal presenting complaints will be discussed with the goal of recognizing normal and abnormal findings in the first 28 days of life. Topics will include respiratory distress, cyanosis, sepsis, meningitis, neonatal seizures, and feeding difficulties in the newborn.