Baby.mobi
Many illnesses affect babies in first year. Some require medical treatment – others don’t. It is distressing so IF YOU ARE WORRIED THAT YOUR CHILD IS ILL, GO TO NEAREST HOSPITAL/CLINIC.
Jaundice: After 2/3 days baby’s skin/eyes are yellow as a result of high bilirubin in blood. Phototherapy is required where the naked baby is placed in a warm, covered cot with eye shields. Maximum light on all parts of body.
Diarrhoea: Healthy baby poo is soft, loose. If your baby is suddenly pooing much more it could be diarrhoea. Also if the poo is watery, smelly and the baby has fever or is irritable. The most important thing to watch for is dehydration. If your baby is not vomiting continue to feed as normal. If your baby is vomiting or not replacing the liquid you should try a pediatric electrolyte solution available from pharmacies. Avoid sweetened fluids like sodas (including ginger ale), sports drinks (like powerade), sugar water, and undiluted fruit juice.
If your baby is suffering from extreme loss of body fluids from diarrhoea this is called dehydration and it is very dangerous. Symptons include crying no tears, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on head) lethargic, no energy, not active. If your child is dehydrated from Diarrhoea go to the clinic/hospital immediately.
For Diarrhoea in infants who are eating solids the diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast can help at the same time as being sure to replace fluids, can help.
Colic: Where your baby cries for over 3 hours. No obvious medical problem. Starts at 3 weeks, peaks at 5 weeks. Usually end of day/early evening - the pain comes from intestinal winds. Also if baby cannot pass wind symptoms of colic can occur like frustration and pain. hands balled up in fists, legs curled up and swollen tummy.
If you are breast feeding don't eat broccoli, onion, cabbage or beans. If you are formula feeding your baby could be sensitive to protein in formula.Over/under feeding or too fast = colic symptoms.
Swaddling, carrying, rocking and lying your baby on his tummy when he is awake and you are there may all help. Your doctor may also give you colic drops.
Nappy rash: a skin problem in nappy area common between 4 and 15 months.The symptons include a red rash that grows; red, scaly areas around the penis/vulva; pimples, blisters, ulcers, bumps or sores. To treat nappy rash keep the area clean & dry. Use nappy rash cream – zinc oxide/vaseline/petroleum jelly to keep moisture off body and change baby's nappy as often as possible.
Teething: Could start at 4 months. Symptoms? Irritable, miserable, drooling, runny nose, ear infections, refuses food, rash around mouth, throbbing pain in gums, swelling, urge to bite. To treat teething apply topical medication anaesthetise sore gums and massage gums. You clinic/doctor may give you pain medication if baby old enough, be sure to check with the doctor before giving meds.
Umbilical hernia: Belly button sticks out very far and becomes worse if baby cries/strains. It goes back if you push it/baby relaxes. Almost always go away on own but if you are worried talk to your health care worker.
