Baby health: in a nutshell

Signs of serious illness

Illness can quickly turn worse in babies. Call a doctor if you see any of the following signs in your baby:

• drowsiness (your baby is less alert than usual)
• decreased movement or lethargy (she’s less active than usual, and just wants to lie around)
• breathing difficulties
• poor circulation (he looks paler than usual – or even blue – and might have cold hands and feet)
• poor feeding
• poor urine output (fewer than four wet nappies in 24 hours).

Seek urgent medical attention if your baby does any of the following:

• vomits green fluid
• has a convulsion (a fit). If this happens, try not to panic – gently place your baby on her side, allowing her to move freely
• stops breathing for more than 15 seconds
• has a lump in the groin area (a hernia)
• has a rash on his legs
• has a high fever (a temperature of more than 38°C).

Common health problems

Babies are prone to a variety of health issues. These include colds and sniffles, diarrhoea, constipation, asthma and ear infections. Some conditions require no treatment, but others might need prescription medications. See your doctor for advice and check our A-Z Health Reference for information about common conditions.  

Daily health

1. Keep up immunisations
Immunisation protects us against bacteria and viral nasties, such as measles and diphtheria, that once killed thousands of people. Immunisation is considered essential protection for your baby. Babies can be immunised by a GP or at a baby health centre at:

• four months
• six months
• 12 months.

The Maternity Immunisation Allowance is only payable once you’ve followed the immunisation recommendations.

2. Protect against germs 
Up to six months old, a close encounter with germs can mean a trip to the hospital for your baby if she gets sick and develops a fever. You can try to limit her exposure to germs by washing your hands before touching her, especially if you’ve been out shopping, handling raw food or changing her nappy. If someone around her has a cold or flu, you might want to ask them to stay out of range until they’re better. 

3. Don’t give unprescribed medications
Normal household medicine can be deadly to your baby. That’s why it’s important not to give any medication to your baby unless it’s prescribed for him by your doctor. Some herbal remedies can also be dangerous, so it’s best to check with a doctor to be safe.

4. Keep baby’s air clean
‘Second-hand smoke’ can cause serious health risks to non-smokers. If someone in your house smokes, they can protect your baby by always smoking outside. Also avoid using chemical household sprays, like insect repellent or cleaning products, when your baby is in the room.

5. Protect baby’s ears
Your baby’s ears are delicate, so protect her from loud sounds very close to her ears – for example, an excited older child yelling in her ear, a barking dog or blasting music.

6. Prevent tooth decay
The best way to care for your baby’s developing teeth is to watch what he eats and drinks. When he starts on solids and drinks other than breastmilk, avoid giving him fruit juice and sweets, which can promote tooth decay. When offering him a drink of water, use tap water – the fluoride added to tap water helps build up tooth enamel (even in his permanent teeth that are developing under the surface), so it’s an important part of dental health.

Video: Dental care for babies and children

9mb

This short video explains that you can start brushing children’s teeth as soon as they come through. It also includes advice on how you can encourage children to drink tap water and avoid sugary drinks.

 

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  Newsletter snippet: Baby health: in a nutshell
  

   

  By Raising Children Network

  Babies are prone to a variety of common health conditions. Some conditions are minor and require no treatment. Others may require a trip to the doctor for prescription medications.
  
  Tips for daily health

  • It’s essential to immunise your baby at 4, 6 and 12 months.
  • Limit your baby’s exposure to germs by washing your hands before touching her, and keeping her away from visitors who might have a cold or flu.
  • Until the age of six months, give your baby only medications that have been specifically prescribed. After this age, it is still best to consult with your doctor about medications.
  • Ensure clean air for your baby by asking smokers to smoke outside. Avoid using chemical cleaners or sprays when she is in the room.
  • Your baby’s ears are very sensitive so remember to keep noise levels down.
  • When your baby starts on solids, avoid drinks and foods that cause tooth decay.

  This article is an extract only. For more information visit raisingchildren.net.au/health__daily_care/babies_health.html

  Sourced from the Raising Children Network’s comprehensive and quality-assured Australian parenting website www.raisingchildren.net.au.