Many young parents do not know what to expect in the first year of a baby’s life. Unfortunately, infants are more susceptible to infection than older children.
Fortunately, many health issues are not severe. However, it is worth knowing how to help your toddler.
Above all, trust your intuition. If you’re worried about your little one, see your doctor right away. Here are the five common health problems in newborns and infants.
Article Contents
Jaundice
Jaundice in a newborn is usually a physiological condition that appears in many newborns.
It is manifested by the yellow color of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes.
It occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the blood. A newborn’s liver is not mature enough to get rid of excess bilirubin.
Usually, jaundice goes away within 2-3 weeks after the baby is born. However, if it persists for more than three weeks, consult the pediatrician.
Jaundice in newborns is not always physiological. Additional testing is necessary if:
- jaundice appears on the first day of life;
- the bilirubin level exceeds the norm;
- jaundice lasts more than 10 days in term babies and 14 days in premature babies;
- the baby has a grayish-white stool and dark urine.
The most common type of treatment is 24/7 phototherapy to the largest possible surface of the baby’s body.
During phototherapy, a special UV lamp is used. UV rays break down bilirubin in the skin, reducing its level in the blood. If phototherapy is not effective, a partial blood transfusion may be needed.
Colic
When a healthy baby cries constantly and for no apparent reason, it may have colic. The exact cause is unknown.
Some experts attribute colic to gastroesophageal reflux when the acidic stomach contents painfully return to the stomach.
Usually, colic appears in 2-week-old babies. The duration of colic may vary. For some babies, it lasts only a few minutes, while for others, it can last for several hours.
For every baby, each method works differently, so you will probably have to try a few to find the one that works best.
You can help your baby calm down by cuddling, rocking, or latching it to the breast.
You can also gently pull the baby’s legs up to the tummy when it lies on the back. Warm compresses on the tummy or a warm bath may also be helpful.
Colic should go away before the baby turns 3 months. However, if the condition persists, you should consult your doctor, who may recommend more frequent feeding, smaller portions of baby formula, or reliever medication.
You can also consult with your pediatrician about switching to baby formula for infants suffering from colic. Such products from European brands can be found in the Organics Best store.
Diaper Dermatitis
Such a condition can cause pain, redness, scaling, and sensitivity. It is usually the result of irritation, infection, or allergies.
Sometimes, introducing new foods can change the consistency and frequency of your baby’s poop. Diarrhea will aggravate such symptoms even more.
If the rash lasts more than a few days, even with more frequent diaper changes, it may be caused by Candida yeast.
Usually, the skin is then red and slightly swollen. The red dots extend beyond the area of the rash.
To get rid of the rash, you should check the diaper often and change it as soon as it is dirty. Remember to change the diaper not less frequently than once in two hours, even if it is clean.
Then you need to gently clean the baby’s bottom with soap and water and carefully dry it. Finally, lubricate the baby’s skin with a cream or ointment containing zinc oxide.
Diarrhea Or Constipation
Diarrhea occurs when an infant has watery stools, sometimes with increased frequency or volume.
Consult your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or you notice other symptoms, including vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool.
It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. More rarely, it may result from hypersensitivity to food products or food intolerance. Sometimes, it is a side effect of antibiotic therapy.
Constipation occurs when the baby has problems with bowel movements and may be accompanied by pain.
The baby then whines or strains when trying to pass a stool. Exclusively breastfed infants are very rarely constipated.
Such a condition usually appears in bottle-fed babies. A warm bath or compresses, as well as a belly massage, may be helpful. Check with your pediatrician if your baby suffers from constipation often.
Cold
Colds are caused by viruses. They spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or touches their nose.
The most common cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, fever, dry cough that may worsen at night, sleepiness, and loss of appetite.
There are over 200 viruses that cause colds. This explains why they are so common.
A cold usually lasts 7-10 days, although a cough may last a little longer. Consult the doctor before giving your baby any medication.
