There’s no journey that can feel as rewarding and simultaneously challenging as parenting. Having your first child, in particular, can be a rollercoaster ride, and you’ll go through a ton of ups and downs.
However, your biggest instinct as a parent is to ensure that there’s no risk of harm to your child. Unfortunately, babies are fragile beings, especially in the first few months after birth. Despite your best efforts, they can sometimes come across different problems, and as a parent, seeing your child in bad health can be painful.
But it’s important to persevere. There are a few health problems that can be pretty common among babies, and taking the right steps can help you bring your child back to good health. Here are a few issues babies face and how to deal with them.
Newborn jaundice
One of the most common issues babies can face upon birth is jaundice. First-time parents can often freak out seeing their baby’s skin, nails, and eyes turn a faint yellow, but in most cases, jaundice is nothing to worry about. Newborn jaundice occurs because the baby’s liver is not yet fully developed to break down a high number of red blood cells, thus causing a buildup of bilirubin.
In most cases, your healthcare provider can help your baby recover through dietary changes and mild medication. In a few days or weeks, you can expect to see the symptoms and signs disappearing. However, in some rare cases, infant jaundice can cause long-lasting problems if left untreated, including brain damage. If you feel your baby’s jaundice wasn’t catered to by your healthcare provider, getting in touch with legal aid for birth injury claims can help you take up the case against your child’s doctor.
Colic
Colic can be the new parent’s nightmare, you reeling for nights on end as your baby refuses to sleep through the night. Although all babies can have days where they’re fussier than usual, colic babies can be incredibly challenging to deal with. Usually, no specific health problem causes this issue. However, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of colic so you can ensure that there’s no other issue.
Generally, colic babies can cry for more than three hours a day, several days a week, and will cry in a shrill, high-pitched tone. These babies can be difficult to soothe; their faces can turn red and their backs can become stiff. Dealing with this as a new parent can be terrifying, so it’s important to check whether your baby has a fever or behaves differently. Staying in touch with your healthcare provider can help you rule out other underlying illnesses. Eventually, colic symptoms can wane away on their own.
Bluish skin
In most cases, a little bit of blue skin is perfectly normal, especially a few hours after delivery. Your baby’s body is still getting used to being out of the womb, and circulation can take time to normalize. It is usually noticeable on the skin around the mouth, nose, or hands and feet.
This blue undertone generally goes away on its own, and a soft massage can help immensely. However, if you notice that the bluishness keeps spreading and your baby seems sluggish, there may be cause for concern. In such cases, getting in touch with a healthcare provider as soon as possible is imperative.
Coughing
Incessant coughing may seem like a red flag, but it can be natural in many cases. It can take babies time to adjust to feeding through their mouths, and at times, they may gulp down too fast or swallow air. Feeding your baby slowly can help reduce coughing and help digest food properly.
However, if your baby keeps coughing through the night and their coughing is violent, you might need to get them checked. This can be a sign of digestive or respiratory issues, and tackling these problems fast is crucial. Extreme coughing can also cause your child to gag and make it hard for them to feed properly. Feeding them in smaller sessions and getting a thorough check-up can help you rule out potential issues.
Diaper rash
In the first few months of your baby’s life, diaper rash is something you will have to get used to encountering on and off. A newborn’s skin can be exceptionally sensitive; even the mildest irritation can lead to an intense rash. This can be pretty painful for your baby and lead to unexplained crying and, in extreme cases, infection.
Maintaining good hygiene is essential if you want to avoid diaper rash. In general, cloth diapers can be much gentler on the skin than disposable diapers. A natural cloth lining between the diaper can help keep the fabric clean. Washing with warm water and a gentle cleaner can help wash stains and keep the diapers clean. Additionally, over-the-counter creams prescribed by your doctor can help you fight redness, swelling, and infection. Keeping your baby’s bottom dry and using gentle products is important. It can make it much easier to avoid any rashes.
Ear infections
Ear infections are common and can cause a lot of pain for your child. These infections commonly occur after a fever, sore throat, or any other infection and can be challenging to cope with. Your baby might cry a lot, as they have no other way of letting you know that they’re in pain.
If your child is tugging at their ears, shaking their head, and having issues with balance, an ear infection can be to blame. In most cases, OTC drops and medication can help clear up the issue in no time.
Conclusion
Parenting can be tough, especially if it’s your first time. Seeing your child in distress can be distressing and can put many parents in a state of panic. However, these tips can help you figure out how to tackle some normal issues children face. Watch out for common signs of problems and get help as soon as possible.