There are quite a few common concerns when it comes to new infants. Sometimes as a new parent, it’s hard to know what is or isn’t normal. Read on for the most common concerns that arise.
Jaundice
There are a few different types of infant jaundice. The most common type of jaundice occurs at two to three days of life. After birth, babies have extra red blood cells they do not need. As these break down, they turn into a substance called bilirubin, which your baby’s body gets rid of in the first few days in black and green stools. Too much bilirubin makes your baby’s skin, and sometimes the whites of your baby’s eyes, look yellow (jaundiced). You can help prevent or reduce this type of jaundice by feeding your baby often for as long as they want. Your baby should be eating enough to have the right amount of wet and dirty diapers and to be gaining weight.
Some jaundiced babies are sleepy and may not feed well. If you are concerned about your baby:
- wake and feed your baby at least every 3 hours (for a total of 8 to 12 times in 24 hours)
- call your doctor, public health nurse or midwife
Your caregiver may take a blood test to see how much bilirubin is still circulating in your baby’s body (bilirubin level). A few babies may need treatment in hospital under special lights (phototherapy) to help reduce the level of bilirubin
Sometimes a baby will become jaundiced in the first 24 hours of life. This type of jaundice is usually because of a difference between the mother’s blood type and the baby’s blood type. If your baby is jaundiced this early, contact your caregiver right away as phototherapy is often needed
A less common cause of jaundice is liver disease. Your baby must be seen by a doctor if, at 14 days of age, your baby is jaundiced (skin and whites of eyes are yellow) and your baby’s stool is pale (grey) or the urine is dark (brown).
Diarrhea or constipation
Diarrhea
Diarrhea stools are:
- a definite change from your baby’s usual stool pattern
- a different color, increased frequency and/or watery consistency (the stools may contain mucus and/or blood)
- sometimes foul-smelling
- sometimes expelled with considerable force
Constipation
Constipated stools are:
- a definite change from your baby’s usual stool pattern
- dry, hard and difficult to push out
- sometimes have streaks of blood
Do not give your baby laxatives, suppositories, enemas, medicine or home remedies. If you think your baby is constipated, call your caregiver. A breastfed baby is rarely constipated.
Diaper rash
Diaper rash is a red area or rash on your baby’s diaper area.
If your baby develops a diaper rash:
- change diapers often
- wash your hands before and after each diaper change
- avoid using perfumed baby wipes, soaps and fabric softeners
- expose the diaper area to air for 10 to 15 minutes at least 3 to 4 times a day
- apply a thin layer of a zinc-based cream to the area with each diaper change
- try a different brand if you are using disposable diapers
- avoid using plastic pants if you are using cloth diapers
Call your health care provider if your baby’s rash doesn’t start to get better in two to three days, is deep red or has blisters
Newborn rash
Newborn rash is a blotchy, red, pinpoint rash found anywhere on the body. It is common in the first months of a baby’s life. The cause is unknown. Although the rash may look unattractive, it is normal, needs no treatment and will pass with time.
Other causes of rashes may be:
- overheating
- soap, bleach or fabric softener in clothes
- wet diapers, plastic pants and mattress covers
- disposable diapers
- perfumed products
- allergy
- illness
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is thick, greasy or flaky scales on your baby’s scalp. It is caused by normal changes in your baby’s skin. Although cradle cap won’t harm your baby, you may want to treat it.
- Gently massage a small amount of mineral or olive oil onto your baby’s scalp
- Allow the oil to soak in for several hours or overnight
- Rub gently with a towel or soft brush to loosen the scales
- Wash the scalp with a mild shampoo. Rinse well
- Repeat if necessary
Call your nurse or doctor if you’re concerned about your baby’s cradle cap.
Sneezing
Babies may sneeze often to help clear their nostrils. This is common in the first few months. It doesn’t mean your baby has a cold.
If your baby has a plugged nose that interferes with feeding try:
- extra humidity in your home
- saline nose drops (check at a drugstore or make your own)
Recipe for nose drops
Mix 2.5 mL (½ teaspoon) of salt to 250 mL (1 cup) of boiled, cooled water. Place 1 or 2 drops into each nostril with an eye dropper before feeding.
Burping
Your baby may get gas or air bubbles during or after feeding.
Your baby may need to burp:
- after feeding on the first breast
- after drinking about half of the formula
- if they become restless, cry or pull away during a feeding
- at the end of a feeding
To burp your baby:
- support your baby’s chest and chin
- gently rub or pat your baby’s back
- use different positions (for example, holding your baby upright or across your lap)
Hiccups
Hiccups are very common and often bother the parents more than the baby! Sometimes changing your baby’s position or getting your baby to suck will help stop the hiccups. Hiccups will not harm your baby.
Reprinted with permission from Perinatal Education, Birth & Babies, Alberta Health Services. Perinatal Education offers over 30 different courses for expectant and new families. For more information about pregnancy and to view the course calendar, visit www.birthandbabies.com.
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