Common Infant Care Concerns

I have listed some common concerns that will most likely require a doctor visit. At one time or another most parents will have to deal with at least one of these care concerns before their child reaches 5 years old.

What even infant care concerns you have to deal with remember to consult medical advice,follow directions for treatment and finish all medications even if symptoms are gone.

• Blocked tear ducts are a very common infant care concern in young babies. Your baby may have a yellowish green discharge coming from the corners of one or both of his eyes. This usually resolves over time but be sure to have your doctor diagnose this to avoid confusion with other eye problems(i.e.infections.)

• Another common eye problem that you may encounter is Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye. If your baby has an red irritated eye or eyes and yellowish drainage isolate your child and call your doctor. This is highly contagious.
• "Cradle Cap" is a flaky white scalp that appears soon after birth. It looks like your baby has the world's worse case of dandruff. Washing the scalp with baby soap and gently scrubbing with a soft brush helps. If the problem persists ask your doctor about using a over the counter medicated shampoo.
• Thrush is an yeast infection that appears in the mouth. It is a white film like coating on the tongue lips and cheeks. This is usually started by the use of antibiotics though it can be transferred from child to child when sharing pacifiers,bottles,cups or toy. It must be treated with doctor prescribed medication.
• Constipation is an infant care concern that hurts you as much as it hurts your baby. Unfortunately, some babies are just prone to this problem. Iron or vitamins added to formula can be the cause of this problem. Baby Constipation
• Fevers over 100.5 is a health concern that should be reported to your health care professional. If you are directed to use a fever reducing medication follow dosing instructions. NOTE: Babies under 6 months should not be given medications with ibuprofen. After your baby is 6 months ask your pediatrician about alternating fever reducing medications for better results.
• Another health concern common in newborns is Jaundice. If you notice that your infant has a yellow tint to his skin and/orthe whites of his eyes call your pediatrician. Jaundice is a over production of liver bile and requires treatment and monitoring.
• Watch for your baby tugging at his ears. If he had fussiness for no apparent reason, develops cold like symptoms, runs a fever and/or stops wanting to suck. This is usually a sign of an ear infection.
• Young children can have "Silent Ear Infections". These have no physical symptoms and are usually only found when you take your baby to the doctor for something else.

• Bronchitis or other respiratory aliments are very serious in young children. Symptoms could include coughing, rattling breathing,ribs retract with inhalation,quickened breathing or change in color of lips.
• Diarrhea is defined as at least 3 consecutive watery stools. Babies can have loose stools for various reasons but they should not be watery(soaks through the diaper leaving very little solid matter on the top layer).
• Vomiting is defined as when a baby empties his stomach at least every 30 to 60 minutes regardless of feedings. If it lasts for over 24 hours call your doctor.
• Become familiar with immunization side effects. When your baby is due to receive immunizations give him a dose of pain/fever reducing medication 1 hour before his appointment to help him cope with any side effects. Infant Vaccines Schedule









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Choosing a Pediatrician

Infant Reflux

Constipation

Hearing Problems

Vision Concerns

Drooling

Sunburn Care

Baby Care Basics

Infant Care Concerns

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