The experience of being a new parent is highly exhausting.
While the joy of being a new mom is incomparable to any other pleasures of the world, the concern for your newborn’s health and care comes as a bonus.
A newborn baby’s health is vulnerable after birth. They are prone to infections.
Following are a few health problems your newborn can face:
1. Crying
Crying is the only communication a baby can have. It is the only way they can demand you to change their nappy or tell you they are hungry.
Even when they are not feeling well, crying is the only way they can communicate with you.
Try feeding the baby, cuddling them, stroking their back, giving them a massage, swaying him while holding him in your arms or in a cradle. If any of these fail and your baby continues to cry inconsolably, consult your doctor.
2. Bloated Belly
You can notice some newborns might have a bloated stomach that feels hard to touch after feeding. This might be the case of gas or constipation.
If it continues to be a persistent problem, consult your trusted doctor.
3. Skin Related Issues
Dry, patchy, and cracked skin is normal in a newborn. It goes away after few weeks once the old skin gets replaced with new.
You shouldn’t be worried and do not apply any kind of ointment or lotion to it.
4. Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is the most common skin problem your newborn faces. Once your child eats regularly, his nappies are bound to get soiled. This leads to rashes.
Baby cloth diapers minimise the risk of diaper rashes. Change their diapers regularly.
5. Colic
Sometimes gas gets trapped in a baby’s intestines or stomach and causes discomfort. Their cries will usually appear distressed and might look uncomfortable.
Consult your doctor to relieve them from this condition quickly.
6. Noisy Breathing
Newborn babies have a small nose passage, and the formation of mucus makes the breathing passage even smaller that causes noisy breathing.
Although this is a natural phenomenon, if it is persistent, seek a doctor’s help.
7. Jaundice
Jaundice is again one of the most common health conditions in a newborn. It appears when the baby is three to four days old and will last for a week or ten days. This is common because newborns have a weak liver and have high bilirubin levels in their bodies.
Jaundice goes away in a week, but if it lasts for over three weeks or occurs within 24 hours of birth, it is a matter of concern, and you should consult a doctor immediately.
8. Bluish Skin and Apnea
Newborns are born with bluish colour hands and feet since there is an irregularity in blood circulation. But if the colour stays persistent around your baby’s mouth, alongside having difficulty in breathing, the chances are that his heart and lungs are not functioning correctly.
Your baby might suffer from apnea if you notice him not breathing for 10 to 15 seconds, along with a bluish tint near his mouth. This needs immediate medical attention.
9. Vomiting
White vomit after feeding is a normal occurrence for a baby. It’s milk that they have vomited. This is the main reason parents make their babies burp after feeding.
But if you notice greenish colour in their vomit, this could indicate an underlying medical condition. Frequent vomiting can indicate digestive problems and need medical care.
Conclusion
An infant’s medical condition can be a matter of concern for every parent. But frantically panicking over it is not the solution.
With good medical care and attention, you can relax.
Keep track of your baby’s cries. If they show any discomfort for a long time, consult a good paediatrician.
