Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyful experience. But for many new parents, what to do with common infant health concerns can feel a bit overwhelming.
From an infant with a stuffy nose to more complex concerns like infant jaundice and infant ear infection symptoms, understanding these health concerns and how to manage them is essential for ensuring your baby's well-being–and your peace of mind.
Let's explore just a few of the most common health issues your baby may face, their symptoms, and treatments you can administer to help keep your little one smiling.
Infant Fever, an infant with fever is associated with an infection, either bacterial or viral. Many parents wonder, “can infants get strep throat?” Infants under 2 years of age getting strep throat is very rare and one of the symptoms maybe infant fever. Infants with diarrhea or vomiting may also have an infant fever.
Manage a fever by keeping your infant hydrated and monitoring their temperature. For infants with fever, under 2 months of age is defined as a fever over 100.4 rectally consult your pediatrician. Only use infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen under the advice of a pediatrician.
Infant Ear Infection
One of the most common health concerns many babies face is infant ear infections. Infant ear infection symptoms include pain, restless sleeping patterns, and sometimes baby fever. Other symptoms are irritability and tugging at the ears.
For infants with ear infections, pediatricians typically prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. To soothe pain, parents can apply warm compresses and ensure the baby is well hydrated and comfortable.
Infant Coughing
If your infant is coughing, it’s usually simply an action to clear the passages from mucus or irritants. These may be caused by colds, flu, allergies, or even infant GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a situation in which there is irritating stomach acid in the esophagus.
If your infant is congested, proper hydration with electrolytes, such as infant Pedialyte, should be maintained. A humidifier will ease breathing for infants with a cold and cough medicines are not to be used. An infant with a stuffy nose may need saline drops or a nasal aspirator to help break up and remove any excess mucus.
Infant Rashes
Rashes can appear anywhere on the body as redness, bumps, or irritation. The causes ofan infant rash can range from anything from allergic reaction, irritation, infection or infant heat rash. A rash on the face or body needs to be watched carefully.
The most common infant rash is diaper rash. The causes of diaper rash vary, and treatments can include creams as well as giving your baby some “airtime” by letting your baby sit diaper-less on a few towels for about 20 minutes.
No matter the type of infant rash, identify the source with your pediatrician, and choose appropriate treatments that might include hydrocortisone cream, diaper cream, or moisturizers.
Infant Eczema
Infant eczema is a chronic skin condition that is present with dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It could be a result of genetics passed from the parents or an infant with allergies or reactions to specific skin irritants. To manage infant eczema, use moisturizers frequently, avoid known irritants, and apply topical steroids according to prescription. This is very important in handling an infant rash on the face or any other sensitive area.
Infant Green Poop
Seeing green poop in your infant's diaper can be alarming, but it's often harmless. Causes include diet, fast digestion, or mild illness. Infant poop color may change due to breastfeeding or switching to formula. Infant green poop typically resolves on its own, as long as your baby is healthy and gaining weight. Monitor for persistent changes in infant poop color and consult a pediatrician if an infant with diarrhea continues to experience issues.
Infant Constipation
Constipation in babies is typically caused by changes in diet, but it can also occur if your infant is congested. Infant constipation usually leads to painful stool passages and can increase infant gas. Due to constipation, bowel movements become less frequent or tough to pass. If your infant is constipated or if your infant is gassy, try to increase their fluid intake, add small quantities of prune or pear juice, and if the problem further persists, see a pediatrician
Infant Gas Relief
Gas is never comfortable for the baby. Changes in diet or infant GERD are usually the most common causes. If your infant is gassy, give comfort by burping frequently, giving drops for infant gas relief, and practicing proper feeding techniques.
Infant With Hiccups Hiccups are caused by the involuntary contractions of an infant's diaphragm. This may be related to any changes in eating style, gas, infant colic, acid reflex, or infant GERD. Often harmless, an infant with hiccups may experience back arching and spitting up, but often there are no harsh symptoms.
Baby hiccups often resolve on their own with feeding or light burping of the infant. If persistent, hiccups may often be stopped by giving a few swallows of warm water.
Infant Pink Eye
Infants with pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can have symptoms that include red, itchy eyes with possible discharge or infant fever. It can be due to bacterial infections or allergic reactions. Management includes antibiotic eye drops for bacterial causes, warm compresses, and hygiene to avoid infecting others. If your infant with pink eye also has baby allergies, be sure to discuss specific care with your pediatrician.
Infant Car Sickness Car rides can cause motion sickness in babies, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. To combat this, ensure the car is well-ventilated and make stops frequently during long-distance traveling. Keep your baby hydrated with infant Pedialyte if there is vomiting or an infant with diarrhea.
When to Call the Pediatrician While many of the baby's health problems can be appropriately managed at home, others require immediate medical attention. If your infant is constipated for more than 3 days, has a high infant fever over 100.4°F, persistent vomiting, labored breathing, allergic reactions in infants with allergies, and signs of dehydration need professional treatment.
Regular check-ups with the pediatrician and open communication are therefore significant for solving your baby’s health issues. Still looking for a pediatrician? Find an Allied Physicians Group Pediatrician near you! Our caring network of physicians are with you every step of the way. We're committed to making sure your newborn's healthcare is one less thing keeping you up at night!
Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. We offer pediatric care, family medicine, and other specialties at our practice locations. Allied Physicians Group has office locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties. If you are looking for a physician near you click here, or for more information, please visit: https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com.