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 is less active than usual, and just wants to lie around)
• breathing difficulties
• poor circulation (she looks paler than usual – or even blue – and might have cold hands and feet)
• poor feeding
• not much wee (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 his side, allowing him 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).

Doctors and medicine

When your baby is feeling under weather, there’s only one thing you want to do – make her feel better as soon as possible. But sometimes it can be hard to know how to do this. Having good medical care for your child can put your mind at ease, and choosing a doctor ahead of time can save you a lot of worry. 

Your doctor also plays a critical role in advising you on what kind of medication to give your baby and when. Always talk to your doctor before giving medicine to your baby.

But there might be times when you’re not happy with a doctor’s diagnosis or advice. It’s OK to want a second opinion or to consider changing doctors.

Going to hospital can be very stressful for children, as well as for parents and the rest of the family. If your child does need to be admitted to hospital, you can make things easier by visiting the hospital before admission (if possible), staying with your child and taking comfort objects (blankets, soft toys and so on) from home.

Common baby health problems

Babies are likely to get a few common illnesses and other health issues. These include colds and sniffles, diarrhoea, constipation, asthma, ear infections and nappy rash. Some conditions don’t need any 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 for babies

Keep up immunisations
Immunisation protects us against bacteria and viral nasties, such as measles and diphtheria, which 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 4 months, 6 months and 12 months.

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

Protect against germs 
Up to six months old, a close encounter with germs can mean a trip to the hospital for your baby if he gets sick and develops a fever. You can try to limit his exposure to germs with basic hygiene, including washing your hands before touching him, especially if you’ve been out shopping, handling raw food or changing his nappy.

If someone around your baby has a cold or flu, you might want to ask them to stay out of range of baby until they’re better.

Germs in swimming pools can be a particular risk. If you’re taking baby swimming, wash your baby thoroughly (especially her bottom) with soap and water before swimming.

Check all medications with your doctor
Normal household medicine can be deadly to your baby. You should give your baby medication only if your doctor has prescribed it for him. Some herbal remedies can also be dangerous, so it’s always best to check with a doctor to be safe.

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

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.

Watch for food allergies and intolerances
Food allergies and food intolerances are different from each other. Food allergies aren’t as common as you might think. Food intolerances are more common, but they aren’t the same as allergies. If you’re not sure why your child is having a reaction and there’s a possibility it could be caused by a food allergy, it’s best to consult your doctor. 

Care for baby’s teeth
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 baby a drink of water, use tap water – the fluoride added to tap water helps build up tooth enamel (even in the permanent teeth developing under the gums), 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 get quite a few common illness and health issues. Some conditions are minor and don’t need treatment. Others might need a trip to the doctor for prescription medications. If your child needs to go to hospital, you can make it easier by staying with your child and taking comfort objects from home.
  
  Tips for daily health

  • 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’s still best to consult your doctor about medications.
  • Ensure clean air for your baby by asking smokers to smoke outside. Avoid using chemical cleaners or sprays when baby is in the room.
  • Your baby’s ears are very sensitive, so remember to keep noise levels down.
  • Watch for food allergies and intolerances, and see your doctor if you’re worried.
  • 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.