The first 12 months following the birth of a child can be difficult for mothers, especially those who are first-time parents. The birth of a baby can make your routines go all out of the way which forces you to adjust to insane timelines such as staying awake throughout the day and night to tend to the baby’s needs.
However, one of the biggest problems for parents across the globe is newborn illness. Whatever precautions you take as parents, your child is likely to contract something in the process. Most of the time, these diseases aren’t that severe, but occasionally they may be.
To help you prepare for this challenging time To help you prepare for this difficult time, here’s the list of most common ailments that affect newborn certain points in their lives, and possible methods to deal with these conditions.
Newborn Illnesses Every New Parent Should Be Aware Of:
Common Cold
Babies are most likely to get a common cold up to five times in a twelve-month period. There are over 200 viruses responsible for various types of the disease The most widespread being rhinovirus. For newborns, the common cold is manifested by dry coughs, lack of appetite, constant crying because of discomfort, fever, and difficulties sleeping.
Simple solutions that can be attempted at home include over-the counter painkillers like Tylenol and the use of fluids to combat the effects of hydration. Also, you can make use of saline nasal drops to help thin the thick mucous blocking their airways.
Gastroenteritis
Often referred to for its stomach bug any parent who has had experience will have an account of how this tiny stomach bug changed their lives around. Gastroenteritis can be spread quickly and may be caused by a variety of germs however the most frequent cause is due to an infection caused by a virus. The symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
It’s crucial to prevent dehydration, therefore provide your baby with plenty of fluids such as water as well as breast milk. You can also use an oral solution for rehydration like Pedialyte. Gastroenteritis can be dangerous in a short time and it’s recommended to speak with your doctor for any concerns about treating the condition at your home.
Neonatal Jaundice
Jaundice in newborns is an issue that develops when there is a high amount of bilirubin found in the blood of the baby. It causes their skin to appear yellow. Bilirubin is normally handled by the liver. However, in newborns, the liver isn’t mature enough to efficiently rid it of the substance.
The signs of jaundice include a yellow complexion that begins on the face before spreading across the body. The presence of yellow urine is another significant sign of neonatal jaundice.
Jaundice is usually cleared after a few days when the liver has been able to maintain the body’s needs. Certain babies are released from the hospital equipped with the pad type known as biliblanket. It provides home-based phototherapy. If jaundice is still present, a visit to a doctor is required because it could be a sign of more serious issues.
Colic
Colic is a nightmare for every parent. The exact cause of it is not identified. However, if your child starts crying for hours in a row usually at predetermined time in the evenings It’s likely to be colic. Colic typically begins around 2 weeks, and is usually present for 3 months. It is seen in a variety of healthy newborns.
Parents have experienced relief from a variety of methods, including soft belly rubs driving around in cars or playing white noise, and giving the pacifier. If crying becomes unbearable and inexplicably difficult to control, a physician should be sought out to make sure that it’s not caused by colic, but some other issue.
Fever
newborns who have fever are an indication an organism is dealing with off an infection. However, this doesn’t mean it is something to be ignored. It can cause a lot of discomfort for babies. This could be expressed by screaming and body temperatures that are high.
Most fevers aren’t severe, but it is important to seek the advice of a doctor whenever temperatures become excessively high, especially when there are additional symptoms or if everything you’ve tried at home doesn’t work. A common rule of thumb to call a doctor: For babies under 3 months old should contact the doctor in case of fever. For three to six months, after temperatures reach the temperature of 102. For 6 to 24 month consult a physician if the fever is above 102 and lasts more than a single day. The high fever has been proven for causing brain injury in newborns when left untreated.
Oral Thrush
The typical rash appearing on tongues of babies and that is characterized by a white spot is known as Thrush. Thrush is a yeast-related infection that causes white spots on the tongue as well as the cheeks’ insides. It’s not often serious and most often occurs among babies less than 2 years old. However, older babies may develop thrush after taking antibiotics that treat other illnesses.
Also called oral candidiasis this condition can cause discomfort and lead to soreness inside the mouth. If the mom is breastfeeding, it could be transmitted back and forth, therefore both baby and mom need to be treated in the same manner. Most commonly, treatment is through an antifungal topical medicine.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common problem in newborns particularly those who are just beginning to learn how to move. It’s caused by a bacteria known as streptococcus that is transmitted by coughing and sneezing. It is more prevalent in students in school.
The most noticeable characteristic of strep throat is extreme pain in the throat that can cause eating food a painful experience.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. If the problem persists, an alternative course of antibiotics will be ordered by a doctor. The most severe cases of strep throat, which are uncommon, require surgery.
Skin Problems
Skin that is sensitive to newborns responds quickly to environmental conditions. The rashes on the skin usually appear in the first few days after birth and may be due to diapers, soap or even contact with certain materials.
There are babies with skin that produces lots of oil. This could cause breakouts and rash. Other issues include cradle cap as well as newborn eczema and rash.
Every skin condition has its own method of treatment, but the most common strategies to follow include keeping your hygiene in check and applying OTC creams. A physician can provide the best method of treating any skin problem.
Constipation
A Many new parents begin to panic when their children go for several days with no emptying of their bladders. Constipation is a uncomfortable experience for newborns, as they cannot handle constipation that is hard at this stage in their lives.
A belly that is bloated can be an early sign the baby may be constipated. Other signs include crying, and inability to feed. In extreme cases, the small stool they manage to get out is typically slightly bloody.
Massages, hydration and stomach exercises can reduce pain and aid in the elimination of eliminate. Be patient in such an event and maintain an open mind as the outcome might not be immediate.
Pinworms
Pinworms are by far the most widespread kind of intestinal worm infection throughout the United States and one of the most prevalent all over the world. The tiny parasites are an issue for newborns that begin when tiny eggs hatch in the area of the stomach after travel through in the digestive tract.
It is a sign of a constant scratching sensation at nights. The good news is that pinworms aren’t a danger. They cause discomfort and are treatable without difficulty. Doctors might suggest that all members of the family members be treated. Maintain a high standard of cleanliness, including hand washing.
The Bottom Line
Many of these illnesses in newborns aren’t serious. Some disappear completely without warning, and before people realize they even existed at all. All newborns are not alike and what appears gentle on one might come to a halt on the other. Don’t write off anything.