I would hope that they are basing this off of blood work. I am surprised that the doctor is calling it "a general infection" and isn't saying what particular bacteria you are dealing with here. Although, I suppose, if blood counts were done and something seems a little off, they can't always determine where the infection is. Is this her actual pediatrician's recommendation or the pedi on call at the hospital? I would definitely question, question, question. If it is her pedi, ask the pedi on call, if you are afraid you'll offend her pedi. Don't always just sit back and do what the doctor says is best. I was in a similar situation but not exactly. When my daughter was 8 days of age, she had a double ear infection. Sounds like no big deal but I quickly found out that it is a VERY big deal in a newborn. Any infection can spread very quickly and spread to the brain, etc. Her's spread from her ears to urinary tract in a days time. They kept expecting the antibiotics to kick it but then it wasn't in a timely manner; we would have to do more testing and that's how they found it was spreading. We are just SO lucky it wasn't the brain. She was on heavy doses of IV antibiotics for 6 days and had all kinds of tests (catheterized, spinal tap, they punctured the ear drums to release the fluid and tested it). She was sleeping way too much and not eating well (not gaining weight). You said he was eating well; that's good! I would just make sure they are not assuming it's an infection. Now, in the doctor's defense, you don't want to mess around with the health of a newborn baby because they have no immune system to protect them. They have the mother's antibodies but they don't always protect the baby! ...I speak from experience. My daughter had low IgG levels. Lastly, I am not at all thrilled with the idea of having a newborn baby on mega doses of antibiotics. Many people believe it causes problems for the children later in life (ex: allergies, etc.). My daughter is almost 2 now and she is great. Although, she was constantly sick her first year of life. It has improved a lot but she still picks things up easily. Developmentally, all on time. As for allergies, I'm not sure yet. I would definitely talk to the pediatrician about putting the baby on probiotics immediately. My kids are still on Baby's Jarro-Dophilus. You can buy it at HEB for $12; just ask the pharmacist, if you can't find it. It's a powder and you mix it in formula or apply a small amount to the mother's nipple, if breastfeeding. It will get their good bacteria count back up after being wiped clean from IV antibiotics. Talk to the pedi first though. Ask a lot of questions and don't stop until you get some concrete answers! Enjoy that baby and congratulations on becoming a new aunt!