Seizures in babies can happen for many reasons. Find out what to look for and what to do.
A seizure can also be known as a convulsion or fit.
Look for:
abnormal response or no response
jerking, with clenched fists and an arched back
signs of a fever, with hot, flushed skin and sweating
twitching of the face
squinting, fixed, or rolled back eyes
drooling at the mouth
vomiting
loss of bladder or bowel control.
Clear any objects away from around the baby that could be dangerous. Place pillows or soft padding, such as rolled up towels, around the baby. This will help to protect them from injuring themselves while having the seizure.
Do not restrain the baby or move them unless they are in immediate danger.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Note the time the seizure started if you can. This will help the ambulance crew and hospital staff decide how to treat your child.
Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
Once you have called for help, and made your child safe, it is helpful to capture a video of the seizure on your mobile phone if you can. This can aid diagnosis later.
Try to cool the baby down. Take off any bedding and strip them to a single layer of clothing to help cool them. You might need to wait for the seizure to stop to do this. Make sure they don't get cold.
When the seizure has stopped, carry out a primary survey and place the baby in the recovery position to keep the airway open if they are breathing but unresponsive.
While you wait for help to arrive, try to keep the baby calm and monitor their level of response.
