In this article, I will be sharing common infant problems and conditions that infants might go through and suggestions on how to manage them.
Cold
Blocked and runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. The baby may also have a fever.
Suggestion:
See a doctor. The doctor may prescribe nasal decongestants which are used to relieve nasal congestion and nasal saline to clear the mucus. This helps the baby to breathe better.
Fever
Temperature above 37.5˚C.
Suggestion:
See a doctor if
- the baby is less than 3 months old.
- the baby’s fever is very high.
- the baby appears unwell.
Cough
Clear bacteria, mucus, and irritating substances from the airways.
Suggestion:
Give the baby a lot of rest and fluids. See a doctor if
- the baby has difficulty breathing or feeding
- the baby has a high fever.
Constipation
The baby’s bowel pattern slows down, stools are harder than usual or show visible discomfort, a swollen abdomen, or becomes cranky.
Suggestion:
See a doctor.
Diarrhoea
The baby passes out more frequently or more watery stools than usual.
Suggestion:
Give the baby enough milk and water to prevent dehydration.
See a doctor if
- Has passed six or more watery stools or vomited three or more times in a day.
- Has green vomit and refuses to drink.
- Has severe abdominal pain.
- Has cool hands and feet; feels clammy to the touch.
- Has shallow breathing and a fever.
- Stools contain a lot of mucus and blood.
Spit ups
Throw up a small amount of milk.
Milk in the full stomach moves backward or has reflux into the gullet of the baby.
Suggestion:
Feed the baby in a semi-upright position.
Burp the baby frequently during and after each feed to keep air from building up in the baby's stomach.
Try feeding the baby more often but with less milk at each feed.
See a doctor if
- The baby chokes or coughs
- Seems to be in pain
- Continuously vomits a large amount of milk.
Heat rash
Red spots appear on the areas where the baby perspires a lot.
For example, forehead, face, folds of the neck, chest, and arms.
Suggestion:
- Dress the baby in cool, lightweight clothing in warm weather.
- Turn on the air-conditioner or fan to keep the baby cool. Heat rash will go away by itself.
Jaundice
Jaundice is common in babies for the first 3 weeks of life.
It is the yellowish discolouration in the baby's skin and white of the eyes.
It is caused by the presence of bilirubin in the blood, which is the product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells.
Suggestion:
The baby is checked for jaundice routinely during birth and hospitalisation.
Upon discharge from the hospital, the parents will be advised to bring the baby to the clinic for a follow-up check on the 4th or 5th day after birth.
The doctor will advise the parents whether the baby needs phototherapy where the baby is placed under blue light in the hospital nursery to treat jaundice.
Eczema
Light red patches of rough scaly skin on cheeks and body.
Suggestion:
See a doctor.
Yeast infection
Bright red rash in the diaper region or where the skin folds are. It is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans.
Suggestion:
See a doctor. The doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal cream to treat it.
I hope all the pointers will help you to identify the common infant problem your infant might go through and manage it.
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Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 Singapore 520433
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 Singapore 520433
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141
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