It can be challenging to identify signs of low blood sugar -- also called hypoglycemia -- in your baby, since babies who have normal blood sugar levels can also exhibit hypoglycemia symptoms, reports the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Sometimes babies with hypoglycemia don't have any symptoms at all, but a blood test can reveal what's going on if you suspect your baby has low blood sugar.
Irritability
While many factors can make babies irritable, low blood sugar may be the culprit if you notice your baby acting especially irritable without any apparent trigger from her surroundings. Infants of all ages who have low blood sugar may be irritable, says MedlinePlus, but the problem might be apparent soon after birth, since hypoglycemia occurs in one to three out of every 1,000 births in the United States.
Lethargy
If your baby has low blood sugar, he may be lethargic or sleepy. Since each baby with low blood sugar experiences symptoms differently, you may notice that your baby's breathing stops and restarts while sleeping -- a condition called apnea -- if he has hypoglycemia, says Children's Hospital Boston. Babies with low blood sugar can become listless and suffer from apnea when trying to sleep.
Feeding Problems
You may notice that your baby doesn't drink or eat well if she has low blood sugar, reports Children's Hospital Boston. Babies with low blood sugar levels sometimes feel nauseous and vomit. If your baby has hypoglycemia, however, it's vital for her to get enough formula, breast milk or food. So if your infant can't feed normally by mouth, a medical professional may administer intravenous feedings to get through a feeding crisis.
