What is normal and what not?

Newborn ailments

As a parent, you always want the best for your baby and if you become aware that your baby is behaving in an unusually bothered way, is in pain or has trouble breathing, you may feel worried. Some ailments may already set in at a very early age, which may cause your little darling to feel poorly. What are these ailments, and how do you recognize them?

Most ailments are harmless

Most ailments are harmless

Most ailments are harmless and go away as your baby gets older, but it’s nice to know exactly what they are and what you can do about them. We will take a look at the most common ailments in newborn babies: from skin conditions to intestinal cramps and from diaper rashes to the RS virus. Learn what is normal and when it is better to seek the help of a doctor.

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

Cold and nasal congestion

Cold and nasal congestion

Colds and nasal congestion are common in newborn babies because their immune systems are still developing. This makes newborn babies more susceptible to infections. Most of the time, these infections are harmless, but they may cause discomfort for your baby. When your baby suffers from a stuffy nose, you may notice that he or she will be breathing through the mouth or have trouble drinking. Your little one may also suffer from a runny nose. In addition, a cold can manifest itself with coughing, difficulty in swallowing or irritability. You can try to alleviate the discomfort of your newborn baby by applying steam treatments. Turn on the hot shower and stand with your baby in the steamed-up bathroom (not in the shower). The steam can help loosen mucus and open the airways. If the cold does not improve after a week, it is best to contact a doctor. If your baby is less than three months old and also shows signs of a fever in addition to the cold, contact a doctor right away. Likewise contact a doctor immediately, when you notice that your baby has trouble breathing, is wheezing, or has blue lips.

Skin problems of newborn babies

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin disorder that manifests itself in dry, red, sometimes scaly patches on the skin. About 10 to 20% of newborn babies suffer from eczema. In many babies, the eczema recedes over time, but in some children, it can remain chronic or come back again. Applying a thick layer of ointment will keep the skin hydrated. Don’t use products with aromatics or alcohol. Use lukewarm water when bathing or showering your baby and make sure to keep baths or showers short and not too often. Overly frequent bathing can dry out the skin. Sometimes eczema is caused by an allergy to certain foods. If you think that a food allergy may play a role, or if the eczema doesn’t recede over time, check with your doctor for the right treatment.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a common and harmless skin condition in newborn babies. It looks like yellowish, oily, flaky patches on the scalp. It can also occur on the eyebrows, behind the ears and in folds of the skin. It is caused by hormonal changes but also by yeasts on the skin. Cradle cap usually disappears without any further specific treatment. You can take comfort from the knowledge that cradle cap doesn’t cause any itching or discomfort to your baby.

 

Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)

Thrush is a fungal infection that often occurs in newborn babies and is caused by an excessive growth of the “candida albicans” yeast, which is naturally present in the mouth and digestive tract. Thrush is identifiable by white spots in the mouth. Oral thrush may cause babies to be tearful or irritable while feeding, because the spots cause pain in the mouth. This condition may cause your baby to drink less or even refuse to drink entirely. If your baby suffers from thrush, it may be transmitted to the breastfeeding mother as well. This is characterized by painful, red or scaly nipples, with a burning or itching sensation during or after feeding. With the right medical treatment and good hygiene, thrush usually disappears within a few weeks. Contact your doctor for the right treatment, for example with antibiotics.

 

Baby acne

Baby acne are small red or white pimples that usually appear on your baby’s cheeks or forehead. They are caused by hormonal changes and usually disappear without further special treatment after a few weeks.

 

Diaper rash

Diaper rash is common in small, vulnerable newborn babies. The rash is often caused by moisture and friction. Diaper rashes can be prevented or treated by changing the diapers regularly, keeping the skin dry, or by applying a protective ointment such as zinc ointment.

Eye conditions in your newborn

Eye conditions in your newborn

  • Clogged tear ducts
    Clogged tear ducts in your baby’s eyes can lead to watery eyes or a yellow discharge. This problem often recedes without further special treatment as your baby gets older.
  • Eye infections
    Newborn babies can also get an eye infection. Symptoms of such an infection are red and/or swollen eyes as well as the formation of pus. Contact your doctor for the right treatment.

Human respiratory syncytial virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus

The RS virus is a common cause of respiratory infections in newborn babies and young children. In older children and adults, the RS virus usually only causes mild symptoms of the common cold, but in newborn babies, it may give rise to serious complications. Your baby may show mild symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and sometimes a fever. But in some babies, the infection can worsen leading to bronchitis (inflammation of the intrapulmonary airways) or pneumonia. Symptoms include: rapid, shallow breathing, difficulty in breathing, whistling or wheezing sounds while breathing, poor drinking or refusals to take in food, a bluish skin tone (especially around the mouth and nails), and irritability and fatigue. When you notice any of these symptoms, contact a doctor.

Digestive problems in your newborn

Digestive problems are very common in newborn babies, as the digestive system is still developing at this stage.

 

Constipation

Many parents worry when their baby suffers from constipation. But constipation or infrequent bowel movements are common and usually not a cause for concern. When a baby suffers from constipation, you will notice that he or she passes stool less frequently, that the stools are dry and hard, or come in the shape of small hard balls, and you will notice that your baby starts to cry, turns red or shows signs of pain when passing stool. Your baby may also suffer from a swollen belly and may be less interested in eating or be irritable while drinking. Constipation may occur for various reasons; it may be caused, for example, by the type of food your baby is consuming, dehydration, or other medical conditions. Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids and, if necessary, consider adjusting the diet (in the case of bottle feeding). Always consult a doctor before switching. If constipation lasts for more than a few days, if there is blood in the stool, or if your baby seems to have severe discomfort, continues to eat poorly, and loses weight, always contact a doctor.

Intestinal cramps

Intestinal cramps, also called colic, are a common problem in newborn babies and can cause a lot of stress, both for the baby and for its parents. The cramps are usually caused by an immature digestive system. This system is not yet fully developed at birth, and this can lead to gas formation and intestinal cramps. Swallowing air while being fed can also cause cramps. Cramps can also be a result from the intake of food, as some babies do not respond well to certain components of the diet. When being breastfed, the mother’s diet may also have an impact on the baby. As with reflux, time is the best healer, and once the digestive system is fully developed, the cramps will recede or disappear entirely. Until then, you can relieve the cramps by changing feeding techniques, letting your baby burp regularly, giving your baby a tummy massage or placing a warm cloth on its tummy, or giving your baby a warm bath. Consult a doctor if your baby tends to cry excessively and you are not able to calm him or her down, if your baby has difficulty drinking or gaining weight, or suffers from other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

 

Reflux and hidden reflux

Babies may suffer from reflux, which means that the contents of their stomach flow back into the esophagus and sometimes even back into the mouth. Reflux is caused by the fact that the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is not yet fully developed, allowing the contents of its stomach to flow back faster. There are two types of reflux: visible reflux and hidden reflux. Symptoms of visible reflux in your baby are the need to regurgitate after feeding, gagging or coughing, or if your baby is restless during feeding, is quite irritable and/or tends to cry a lot during or right after feeding. With hidden reflux, a baby suffers from the same symptoms, but without the need to regurgitate. This is because the stomach contents flow back down into the stomach from the esophagus and do not have to come out through the mouth. Your baby may also have sleeping issues, wheeze and may have to swallow a lot, even if he or she is not feeding. Hidden reflux may be difficult to recognize because your baby does not regurgitate and swallows the stomach contents again instead. Reflux is usually a phase that passes by itself without further treatment after the baby gets older and once the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is fully developed. If you think your baby may suffer from (hidden) reflux, discuss this matter with your doctor to find the right treatment. What you can do yourself to help your baby is: provide smaller portions of food at shorter intervals, make sure to feed your baby in a calm, relaxed environment with a break in between and keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding.

 

Cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance

Cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance often cause the same symptoms, but they are two distinct medical conditions. Their treatment differs greatly, and so it is important to know the difference between the two conditions.