You can also use Baby Check at any time to assess changes in the severity of the illness.

To use Baby Check, perform the 19 simple checks exactly as stated in Steps 1 and 2.

Cautions:
	Baby Check is not a substitute for clinical judgement or common sense.
	Baby Check assesses symptoms and signs of generalised illness. Some conditions, such as injury, a convulsion or an abscess, where the baby is not systemically ill, may get a low score but still need medical assessment or treatment
	The score indicates the severity of an illness at the time it is done. It is not prognostic.
	Baby Check is not designed to assess babies with chronic conditions.
	Baby Check is designed for infants under six months of age.

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References
1. Morley CJ et al. Chapter 9 in Recent Advances in Paediatrics. Churchill Livingstone, 1990.
2. Morley CJ, Thornton AJ et al. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1991;66:100-120 <

Recent Symptoms

1.	Has the baby vomited at least half the feed after each of the last three feeds?	Yes No
2.	Has the baby had any bile-stained (green) vomiting?	Yes No
3.	Has the baby taken less fluids than usual in the last 24 hours?	Yes No
	Taken slightly less Taken about half Taken very little
4.	Has the baby passed less urine than usual?	Yes No
5.	Has there been any frank blood (not streaks) mixed with the baby's stools?	Yes No
6.	Has the baby been drowsy (less alert than usual) when awake?	Yes No
	Occasionally drowy (but usually alert) Drowsy most of the time (occasionally alert)
	Do not score irritability or increased sleeping
7.	Has the baby had an unusual cry (sounds unusual to mother)?	Yes No

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Examining the Baby

Now examine the baby naked for the following checks

12.	Is there any indrawing of the the lower ribs, sternum or upper abdomen?	Yes No
	Just visible with each breath? Obvious and deep drawing with each breath
13.	Is the baby abnormally pale or has the baby looked very pale in the past 24 hours?	Yes No
14.	Does the baby have blue fingernails or toenails?	Yes No
15.	Squeeze the big toe to make it white. Release and observe colour for 3 seconds. Did the toe take more than 3 seconds to go pink again?	Yes No
16.	Has the baby got an inguinal hernia?	Yes No
17.	Has the baby got an obvious generalised truncal rash or a sore and weeping rash covering an area greater than 5 x 5 cm?	Yes No
18.	Is the baby's rectal temperature 38.3oC or more?	Yes No
19.	Has the baby cried (more than just a grizzle) during this assessment?	Yes No

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A score of 0 to 7 indicates your baby is well or only a little unwell and is not likely to need medical attention now.

A score of 8 to 12 indicates your baby is unwell, but not likely to be seriously ill at the moment.

A score of 13 to 19 indicates your baby is ill and needs to be seen by a doctor.

A score of 20 or more indicates your baby may be seriously ill and needs to be seen by a doctor straight away.


Disclaimer:
The information provided on Nicutools BabyCheck is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a child’s parent or caregiver and his/her physician. If in any doubt please seek medical advice.

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