The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for the whole family. Watching them develop and move through different milestones is always a fun time. However, there may be times when your baby has health issues, and this can be a source of worry for parents.
In this blog, we will discuss some common health issues in newborns and how pediatricians can help.
Caring For Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord
After your baby is born, there will be a small cord stump left over, drying up and falling off within the first week or so after their birth. You want to make sure that you keep the area clean and dry. When the stump falls off, there will be a small wound, so again, ensure that the area is kept clean and dry to avoid any skin infections developing.
Colic
Colic is one of the most common health issues in newborns. When a baby is colicky, they will have intense periods of crying that last for more than three hours, three days a week for at least a week. This can be upsetting for parents, as there is no apparent cause, and it can be difficult to soothe your baby during this time.
A baby being colicky is rarely a cause for concern. Holding or cuddling them while they are crying, gently rocking them, and burping them after feeding can provide relief. Some parents find that changing the baby’s diet also helps to relieve the symptoms.
Ear Infections
It is likely that your baby will experience an ear infection before their third birthday, which may be why they are crying a lot. Ear infections happen when a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum causes pain, redness, and cold-like symptoms.
During your newborn and well-child exams, your pediatrician will check your child’s ears to make sure there are no issues. If you notice your child tugging or pulling at their ears or any fluid draining from their ears, book an appointment with an experienced pediatrician, as they may need antibiotics.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common skin issue in newborns. It happens when the skin comes in contact with pee and poop for extended periods of time. A lack of air circulation and sensitivity to different diapers or wipes can also cause it.
Make sure you regularly change your baby’s diapers, even if they are only a little wet. If you notice a rash, gently wash the area with soap and water and apply a thin layer of diaper cream to avoid further irritation.
Coughs and Colds
Your little one doesn’t have a fully functioning and developed immune system when they are born, which increases the likelihood of them getting a cold or cough. This is very common in babies and children and causes a runny or stuffy nose, a cough, and a fever.
You can usually treat your little one at home by giving them plenty of milk and rest and using saline drops to clear a stuffy nose. However, if your baby is younger than three months old, it is best to give your pediatrician a call so they can make sure the cause of the symptoms is nothing more serious.
Jaundice
Many babies will have a yellowish tinge to their skin or eyes for a little while after birth. This is because there is a buildup of bilirubin that your baby’s immature liver is unable to remove effectively, causing jaundice. In most cases, the symptoms will soon resolve themselves, and adjustments to their feeding schedule can make a massive difference. However, if the bilirubin levels continue to rise, book an appointment with your pediatrician for a checkup.
If you are worried that your baby has common health issues or would like advice, book an appointment today with one of our friendly pediatricians.