Bringing home a new baby can be an exciting milestone that’s also filled with anxiety and fear. If you’re new to parenting, your search history may include things like how to choose a safe crib or the best ways to childproof a home. You might also look for information related to common baby medical conditions.
We have compiled a list of some of the medical conditions you should know about with a new baby in the house.
Table of Contents
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a virus that’s common among children. Most frequently, children develop hand, foot, and mouth disease during the summer and fall months. It includes sores and rashes on the baby’s body. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is also very contagious, meaning you’ll want to keep your baby away from other children in the house.
Baby Acne
Many new parents are surprised to learn that babies can get acne within the first few weeks of their lives. Like the acne you might get as a teenager, baby acne includes small bumps on the baby’s skin. You may notice babe acne on the face, back, neck, and chest. Baby acne is most common within the first few weeks following birth. It’s estimated that baby acne is due to the mother’s hormones before birth. You typically don’t have to do anything but wait for the skin to clear up.
Common Cold
The common cold targets most people, including newborn babies. Common cold symptoms typically include a runny nose, congestion, fever, sneezing, coughing, or difficulty sleeping. Babies are especially prone to the common cold because it takes more time for their immune systems to develop.
Upper Respiratory Disease
Respiratory diseases, especially upper respiratory diseases, are common in a child’s first year of life. Respiratory diseases are a virus that is transported through other people. Your baby may have a runny nose, congestion, or a cough. Respiratory diseases can be especially stressful to a new parent since they typically can’t be treated with medications. Your doctor may instead suggest ways to relieve the symptoms.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an eye infection. Specifically, pink eye leads to inflammation of the membranes near the eyelid and eyeball. While the most known cause of pink eye is bacteria, it can also be caused by an allergic reaction or an irritant. Some cases of pink eye may go away independently, but others may require medication. It’s usually best to talk with your doctor to ensure it’s pink eye before waiting it out.
Digestive Issues
Babies can also experience a few digestive issues, including constipation or diarrhea. Other potential gastrointestinal issues may include reflux or colic. Some digestive issues are normal as they adjust to breast milk or formula. Others, however, could have longer-lasting impacts on their overall health.
A digestive issue to be aware of is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This disease leads to inflammation of the digestive tract. In serious conditions, it may lead to the digestive system’s tissues dying off, which can be life-threatening. NEC can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria growth. NEC is also more common in premature babies with less developed digestive systems. In some cases, a formula that’s cow-milk based could also cause NEC. This newer development has led many to file a Similac and Enfamil lawsuit.
Ear Infection
Ear infections are also incredibly common among children of all ages. Children’s ears take time to grow, affecting their ability to properly drain fluid. The fluid may build up inside the ears and develop an infection. As children get older, they may pull on their ears to show pain. A newborn baby may cry more or develop a fever. Untreated ear infections could inhibit a child’s hearing later in life.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes are also especially common in babies. A diaper rash comes from the diaper or its contents irritating the skin. A fungus may also cause diaper rashes. New parents eventually learn their child’s bathroom habits, which may lead to them changing their diapers faster, which can reduce the frequency of diaper rashes.
Over-the-counter or prescription ointments may be helpful in relieving some of the irritation. These gels can also act as a barrier to the rubbing diaper.
Life with a newborn takes a lot of adjustment. You’ll learn something new every day and use this information to make life easier for you and your new baby. Because babies and children are at risk of certain medical conditions, learning a few of the most common, including how to recognize them, can be helpful. Avoiding certain risks, like feeding cow’s milk to premature babies or welcoming visitors too soon, can also help you keep some of these conditions out of the home.
Varsha