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Babies are more susceptible to injury and illness in the weeks right after birth. This is because their immune system isn’t fully developed yet, so you must do what you can to protect your little one. It’s helpful to know and understand the most common newborn problems and how to handle them, so you can decide what warrants emergency medical attention and what you can tackle on your own to provide the best care possible for your little one.
If you’re a new parent, you’ll want to continue reading as we discuss the most common newborn problems and how to solve them.
1) Skin Rashes
Because babies wear diapers 24 hours a day, they are susceptible to diaper rash. While frequent changes and proper hygiene help prevent diaper rash, some babies can be allergic to the diapers themselves and may require intervention to solve the problem.
For general diaper rash, however, you can use a quality nappy rash treatment to protect your baby’s delicate bum. Most parents think that diaper rash cream is meant to treat diaper rash after it’s occurred, but you can keep it from happening in the first place by using the cream at every diaper change, even if your baby doesn’t have a rash.
2) Jaundice
Jaundice is a common ailment in newborns. The condition occurs because the liver isn’t developed enough to remove excess bilirubin from the blood. As a result, the skin takes on a yellowish hue that can be alarming, especially for first-time parents.
The good news is, jaundice usually disappears within the first three weeks of birth. Your baby may be placed under UV lights to help the body remove the excess bilirubin and will need regular blood tests during this time.
If your baby’s jaundice doesn’t disappear by three weeks, it could be a symptom of something else. You’ll need to speak with your baby’s doctor for further diagnosis.
3) Colic
Colic is very common in new babies. This fact doesn’t make it easier for parents, however, as a constantly crying baby can be concerning and overwhelming. There is no known cause for colic, but it’s thought that gas or tummy troubles caused by an immature digestive system are to blame.
Colic usually starts at about two weeks of age and continues until about three months of age. If you’re concerned about your baby crying for no apparent reason, discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor as they will be able to run tests to rule out any underlying issues.
4) Excess Spitting Up or Vomiting
It is common for babies to “spit up” during and after feeding. For this reason, doctors recommend that you burp your baby throughout feeding to help reduce spitting up. Some babies, however, experience excessive spitting up and vomiting after feeding, which could indicate an underlying infection or digestive issue.
If your baby spits up a lot or has actual vomiting after feeds, it could be that they have an allergy or intolerance, and you’ll need to speak with your pediatrician to determine how to best address the issue. Babies can get dehydrated quickly, so don’t wait too long to seek medical advice.
These are but a few of the common concerns parents face in the weeks following birth. While some of the problems can be handled at home, if you think your little one’s issues warrant medical care, trust your instincts, and call your doctor sooner rather than later.
