Babies and young children are more at risk of sepsis because their bodies are still learning how to fight infection. They can get very sick very quickly and it is hard to tell when something is wrong, but it’s important to trust your instincts as parents know their child best.

Call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department if:



  • your baby is under 3 months and has a fever (>38 degrees Celsius)
  • your child is seriously unwell and getting worse quickly
  • you have already seen a doctor, but your child is still sick and not getting better.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or hospital health professional: 'Could it be sepsis?'

The risk of sepsis can be higher in babies and children:

  • under 1 year old
  • with complex health conditions
  • being treated for cancer with chemotherapy
  • with medical devices or a tube or catheter (medical line) in their body
  • who have had sepsis before.

Knowing if your baby or child has sepsis can be difficult because many of the symptoms in the beginning are the same as mild infections. The difference is that your child’s symptoms don’t improve or may worsen.

Sepsis is not common, but any child can get sepsis. You know your child best, so trust your gut feeling and get urgent medical attention if your child is more unwell than ever before or this illness is different from other times.

Signs of sepsis in babies and children

One or more of the following may be present:

  • drowsy or difficult to wake
  • confusion
  • weak high-pitched cry that is different to usual
  • working hard to breathe
  • breathing very fast
  • trouble breathing
  • floppy when picked up
  • feel abnormally warm or cold to touch
  • a lot of pain or restless
  • irritable, unable to console
  • difficulty feeding
  • blotchy, blue or pale skin
  • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
  • less wet nappies than usual or not passing much urine
  • seizure or convulsion.