What should be done if a newborn is bitten by a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward, then cleanse the bite site with antiseptic. Contact a pediatrician promptly for evaluation and monitoring of any signs of infection or illness.
What should be done if a newborn is bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a baby is found with a tick attached, act immediately. First, wash your hands with soap and water, then clean the infant’s skin around the bite using mild antiseptic or soap and water. Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can leave mouthparts embedded or cause the tick to release pathogens.
After removal, inspect the bite site for any remaining parts. If any fragment remains, repeat the removal technique or seek medical assistance. Disinfect the area again and apply a sterile dressing if the skin is broken. Place the tick in a sealed container with a label (date, location) for possible identification; do not crush it.
Monitor the infant for symptoms over the next several weeks. Record any fever, rash, irritability, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. If any of these signs appear, contact a pediatrician promptly and provide information about the tick exposure. The physician may order blood tests for tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis, depending on regional prevalence.
Prevent future incidents by dressing the baby in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using tick‑repellent clothing treated with permethrin, and performing thorough body checks after returning from grassy or wooded areas. Keep lawns trimmed, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel around play zones to reduce tick habitat.