What is normal and what not?

Infant ailments

Your baby is getting older, the very tiny, little one has come and gone. Your baby may have grown and suffered through a number of newborn ailments, but that does not necessarily mean that your baby is ailment-free because new challenges may come along for your infant. But don’t worry, most infants outgrow these ailments over time. What ailments are typical in infants, how do you recognize them, what can you do about them and when is the best time to contact a doctor? We will gladly show you the way.

On this page you’ll find..

Diaper rash
Eczema
Teething
Other common ailments
Articles

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Diaper rash in infants

Diaper rash in infants

Your infant may develop diaper rashes. Diaper rash is a common ailment in infants and is caused by moisture and friction in combination with urine and stool. This may irritate your baby’s skin. Your baby suffers from diaper rash if the skin around the diaper area is red and irritated. Changing the nappies regularly, keeping the skin dry and applying a protective ointment such as zinc ointment can offer a solution. Your child may also like to have a diaper break from time to time. This means that you take the diaper off for a while so that your baby’s skin can dry and heal properly.

Eczema in infants

Eczema in infants

The symptoms of eczema are red, sometimes scaly patches on your baby’s skin. Eczema is a skin disorder that can already start in newborn babies, but it often becomes less severe as the baby gets older. However, eczema can also remain chronic or recur in babies. Sometimes eczema is caused by an allergy to certain foods. Eczema commonly occurs in the knee cavities, elbows, and on the face of infants. Applying a generous amount of a greasy ointment can keep the skin hydrated. Avoid alcohol and perfume-containing products. Water may aggravate eczema, so don’t put your baby in the bath or shower too often and make sure the water isn’t too hot. Consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment if you suspect that a food allergy plays a role or if the eczema does not improve.

Are you curious about how other parents deal with skin conditions or other typical ailments? Go to the community forum in our app

Teething in infants

Teething in infants

Infants and teething: it’s a milestone, but it can also be stressful for your child and you as a parent. Your infant begins to develop teeth between 3 and 12 months, with the first tooth usually appearing between 4 and 7 months. Some children have a really bad time with teething, while others may have little or no problems with teeth coming out. If you notice that your infant suffers from excessive drooling, wants to bite on everything, has red gums, is prone to crying, or shows restless behavior, then there is a good chance that one tooth or even several are emerging. It can be very stressful for your baby, but it’s something all babies have to go through. To help your infant through this period, you can give your baby a teething ring, massage the gums, or possibly use special drops or a gel. Ask a doctor for advice on what is the most appropriate product to use.

Other common infant ailments

Abdominal cramps, constipation, and flatulence in your infant

Intestinal cramps, also called colic, are a common problem in newborn babies, which they typically outgrow when their digestive system is fully developed. Sometimes, the abdominal cramps will persist. This may be because your baby’s intestines are not yet fully developed, but it may also be because your baby swallows too much air with its food. Common signs that your baby may suffer from this condition are when your baby cries a lot during or after feeding, when its belly appears bloated, and/or when your baby has to burp or fart more than usual. Regular burping after or between the feeding and gentle abdominal massaging may help to alleviate your baby’s discomfort. If necessary, contact a doctor for advice on feeding your baby or proper treatment.

Sleep problems in infants

Sleep problems in infants are common. Your infant can be in sleep regression, suffer from emerging teeth, or your infant may sleep less well because he or she is going through the fussy phase of a leap.

Or your child may simply not be a good sleeper anyway. No matter what, it is not an agreeable condition for either your baby or for you as a parent when your child sleeps badly. Poor sleep in your infant can manifest itself through difficulty falling asleep, not being able to sleep through, or frequently waking up. Help your child by creating a quiet sleeping environment, adhering to a fixed bedtime routine, and comforting your child when needed. Also, read our tips for getting your child to sleep through and our tips for getting your child to fall asleep more easily. Are the problems ongoing? Perhaps a sleep coach can help you and your baby.

Colds and infections in infants

Because infants are still developing their immune resistance, they are more susceptible to colds and viruses. Especially children at daycare facilities are likely to pick up a virus more often. Common signs of a cold are, for example, a stuffy nose, coughing, a runny nose, and/or fever. A special nasal spray for babies, prescribed by a doctor, can help. Steam treatment by standing next to a hot running shower with your baby and plenty of rest may also help to relieve the symptoms. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, contact your doctor.

Ear problems in infants

Ear pain in an infant is often due to an ear infection. An ear infection usually occurs after a cold or as a result of fluid accumulation in the middle ear (middle ear infection). Infants are more likely to get an ear infection because the Eustachian tube, which connects the throat to the ear, is shorter and narrower than in adults. This leads to blockages more easily. Symptoms of ear problems can be when your baby cries a lot, especially at night, pulls on its ear, runs a fever, has problems sleeping, has less appetite, when white or yellow fluid exudes from its ears, or has problems balancing. You can relieve the pain of your infant by offering paracetamol (dosed according to the age of your infant), holding a warm cloth or jar (not too hot) against your baby’s ear, and letting him or her drink a lot. Liquids help open the Eustachian tube. In case of persistent pain and fever that lasts longer than 24 hours, if fluid (pus or blood) comes out of the ear, if your infant is particularly drowsy or shows an unusual reaction, or if your child suffers frequently from ear infections, contact a doctor.