Signs and Symptoms of Anemia in Baby

Anemia occurs when the red blood cell count is low. Newborns have anemia for four to six weeks after birth because they do not have the ability to create new red blood cells until they are six weeks old, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

Pale Skin

• Pale skin is one of the symptoms of anemia. The gums, lips, and nail bed will appear to be less pink than normal, according to Penn State Children’s Hospital. The changes in pallor occur gradually and may be difficult to notice for a caregiver who sees the child every day.

Sleepiness

• Babies with anemia are sleepier than normal and may seem irritable. Babies become more easily fatigued during normal activities and may be sleepy during breastfeeding. The attempt to pump more blood through the body to make up for low red blood cell counts is responsible for the fatigue and sleepiness.

Fast Heart Rate

• Increased heart rate while at rest is another symptom of the body’s attempt to pump more blood through the body, which is caused by anemia.

Fast Breathing Rate

• Breathing rates increase during rest in anemic babies, according to University of Michigan Health System. Babies may also have difficulty breathing when at rest, according to Greenwich Hospital.

Reduced Growth Rate

• A baby who is anemic may also have a slower rate of growth and weight gain, according to Greenwich Hospital. Doctors must diagnose anemia and find the underlying cause of the condition before treatment can begin, according to Penn State Children’s Hospital. The causes of anemia in babies include iron deficiency due to medications, inherited problems producing red blood cells, blood loss, or infection.