It is difficult witnessing your little one in pain. You become distressed, looking for ways to alleviate their condition. Illnesses are constant, but there are ways to adequately prevent them from affecting your child. Common health problems in babies include colds, coughs, fevers, and vomiting.

 

Babies also commonly have skin problems, like diaper rash or cradle cap.  Many of these problems are not severe. Knowing how to help your sick baby and the warning signs for more serious problems is essential. If you are worried about your baby, trust your intuition, or call your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Common illness that could affect your baby

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can result from forceps in getting the baby out of the birthing canal. Most babies will recover quickly from the trauma of childbirth.

 

Complicated labour and breech babies (presenting shoulders or feet first) may suffer fractures of the tender bones due to the pressure exerted by birthing instruments. Your doctor will evaluate and treat the baby if such injuries are severe.

 

Jaundice

Jaundice is excess bilirubin from the liver, causing yellowish pigmentation of the skin. Neonatal jaundice usually resolves with time. If profound, your doctor will evaluate and treat your baby. Their liver is still immature and unable to handle bilirubin from the gallbladder.

 

Colic

Colic is when the baby cries continually for no apparent reason. Typically, the baby feels discomfort and is unable to express it. This should disappear by the time the baby is 3 months of age. Halt the use of milk formula if colic persists. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

 

Abdominal distension

Newborns have protruding and soft bellies. Mothers need to observe the belly of the infant. When the belly feels stiff and swollen to the touch, gas or constipation could be the cause.

 

As the baby’s body adjusts to feeding, your doctor will run a proper diagnosis to solve the problem. If a bluish tinge persists and much distention of the abdomen is present, it could mean a serious underlying problem with the internal organs.

 

Bluish skin and apnea

Usually, newborn children do have bluish hands and feet. The bluish discolouration fades in time as blood circulation improves. But a bluish tinge around the mouth or a bluish tinge refusing to fade away could mean you must see your paediatrician.

 

Apnea is the stoppage of breathing for 15 to 20 seconds with resultant bluish skin. The underlying condition indicated is a heart problem that needs medical attention and intervention.

 

Vomiting

Vomiting is a widespread infant problem. Mothers are encouraged to burp the child to prevent throwing up the entire feed. A serious issue is indicated if the colour of the vomit is greenish and when the vomiting persists.

 

Infants can quickly get dehydrated. Ensure you always give your baby water in a clean feeder. Frequent vomiting and spitting up of milk could be due to infection or digestive problems.

 

Coughing

Your baby may cough during feeding if the milk flows too fast. When fed, persistent coughing and gagging could indicate a lung or digestive system problem. Coughing at night continuously may indicate whooping cough or respiratory problems.

 

Respiratory distress

This occurs when there is insufficient oxygen for the baby due to blockage in the nasal passage. The newborn baby takes a few hours to learn to breathe normally. Once normal breathing is established, there should be no more bluish colouration. If wheezing, grunting, nostril flaring and bluish colour persist, medical help may be advised.

 

Anaemia

Anaemia is the lack of haemoglobin, indicating the level of oxygen in the blood is low and that the blood is thick. Children of anaemic mothers are born anaemic. Untreated anaemia can be severe and fatal.

 

Fever

Fever is an indication that the body is fighting an infection. However, high and persistent fevers above 101 degrees in newborns and infants can lead to serious or fatal seizures and brain damage. Medical treatment for the infection must be sought urgently.

 

Skin problems

Problems like diaper rash and cradle cap are common skin issues which are painful for the baby. These are reactions of the skin to the diaper, its dyes or diaper contents. Frequent diaper changing and using a good diaper cream are recommended. The baby’s hair should be washed with mild shampoo daily if the baby suffers from cradle cap.

 

Ear infections

Ear infections are common infant diseases. Babies tug at their ears and are very fussy when they have ear infections. Viral infections are common and continue to fade away in a few days. Bacteria can lead to hearing loss and antibiotics.

 

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection of yeast occurring in the mouth of babies. Check with the doctor if it is severe enough to administer anti-fungal medication.

 

General tips 

• Always use warm baths for your baby. Avoid too hot or too cold water during bath time.
• Never skip their vitamins and vaccinations. It helps boosts their immune system. 
• When washing their hair, never use freezing water. Opt for slightly warmer water. 
• Ensure your baby’s clothing is washed and clean.
• Avoid too much physical contact with strangers. They might be carrying harmful pathogens that can be transferred to your baby. Practice crowd control.
•  Use hand sanitisers.