Common issues faced by infants and how should all the new parents tackle them!

No matter how many books you read, or all those infant care classes you take, it never goes according to the plan when the baby comes out! There are a lot of things one must keep in mind about infants right after their birth as they are most vulnerable and prone to infections. 

As a parent, you need to be extra careful around the baby and make sure their surroundings are absolutely clean. Always be ready to visit the doctor in an emergency or have one on your speed dial. Here are some of the common issues faced by infants. 

Crying
Babies tend to grab attention by crying as they cannot speak. They could be asking for a nappy change, food, cuddling, or that they are not feeling well. You need to use the hit and trial method to find out what they actually want. 

Try feeding them, changing their nappy, stroking their back, playing with them, and also checking their temperature. Consult a doctor if the baby is sick or if you are not able to find the reason behind their continuous crying. The problem could be internal, and a doctor can conduct a thorough examination. 

Jaundice
Jaundice is quite common in infants, who are 3-4 days old and also in infants. The condition's common symptoms are yellowish eyes and it goes away in ten days.  It happens because the baby's liver is not mature enough to get rid of the excess bilirubin. If it lasts more than three weeks, it could be a sign of some underlying condition, so you need to get it checked by a pediatrician. 

Bloated belly

Some new babies have bloated bellies that can be hard to touch. It could be an indicator of constipation or gas. When the gas gets trapped in their abdomen, it can cause discomfort that leads to the baby crying. This condition is called Colic. The doctor can help in relieving the problem.

Coughing

When you feed the child with your own milk or even via powdered milk in a bottle, they are most likely to cause the baby to cough. It usually happens when the flow of the milk is too fast, and the baby cannot handle it. However, you need not be worried as they learn this with time. If coughing persists, ask for a doctor's opinion, as it could be a sign of digestive and lung problems in the baby. It's better to know as soon as possible. 

Noisy breathing

Babies have noisy breathing as they breathe through their nose, not mouth. The nasal passage is small, and with the presence of mucus inside, it can become smaller. It gets better as the baby grows older. It's always better to contact your healthcare provider if the noise doesn't go away. 

Fever
Many newborn babies come down with a fever that can be dangerous. Although it is an indication that the body is fighting infection, it may not be able to overcome it on its own. Take them to the doctor to get the medication and follow the necessary precautions. The fever can also be caused by vaccination, which is absolutely normal, but if it lasts for more than a few days, consult a pediatrician.

Skin-related issues
Up until a few weeks later of their birth, babies have dry, cracked, and botched skin with some discoloration. These issues go away with time, and you don't have to worry about them. 

Nappy Rashes
It is one of the most common issues which newborn babies face. As they feed multiple times a day, the nappy gets dirty a lot. Multiple changes of napkins can cause rashes which can cause redness or inflammation on their butts. Changing the nappies as soon as they become dirty, cleaning their bowel area with water, and drying them before putting on the new nappy can decrease the chances of rashes. Also, make sure you're using a high-quality diaper that is gentle on the baby's skin. If the problem persists, you can always see a doctor.

Cradle Cap
Cradle cap refers to the oil, flaky, and scaly patches on the baby's head. These patches usually go away with daily bathing. However, sometimes they can get hardened and become tough to remove. Forcibly removing them can injure the scalp and even leave permanent marks. Speak to your doctor, who will recommend a medicated shampoo for the purpose. 

Bluish Skin and Apnea
Newborn babies have bluish hands and feet. The color fades with time as the blood circulation improves throughout their bodies. A persistent bluish tinge near the mouth with difficulty in breathing can mean the baby's heart and lungs are not functioning as they should. They could have apnea, where the heartbeat stops for 15 to 20 seconds and then comes back. Take the baby to the doctor and get a full-body check-up in this case. 

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)
HDN is a blood disorder where the blood types of the mother and the newborn are incompatible. It is common in mothers with Rh-negative blood groups. Here, the mother's immune system sees the baby's red blood cells (RBCs) as foreign and develops antibodies against them. These antibodies attack the RBCs in the baby and cause them to break down early. However, this disease is curable both during pregnancy and after birth. 

Along with the baby’s health, maternal health is also important. So, Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this period. 

If you are a new parent too and need help, then customize your own package for child care with some of the best guides in the world. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today. Sign Up  Fuzia Wellness community today for all of your health and wellness needs and those of your loved ones.

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