Newborn health checks
Before you leave hospital
Take advantage of hospital health checks for your newborn, including a hearing check. These screening tests on your new baby can seem daunting, but the results can offer you some peace of mind and give your doctor vital information. Often, the earlier health issues are treated, the better.
Mild jaundice in babies is very common – around half of newborn babies get it. It’s most noticeable from the third day after birth.
While the doctors, nurses and midwives are around, don’t be afraid to ask what you think might be dumb questions – they’re often the best kind! You could start by saying, ‘This might sound like a silly question but what’s cradle cap?’ or ‘Why is my baby’s head a strange shape?’ Keep asking your questions until you understand what you really want to know, and never feel too embarrassed to ask them.
Health centre checks
Your nearest baby health centre provides free infant checkups, recommended at two, four and eight weeks. This is an ideal time to ask questions about anything from rashes to allergies to vomiting to crying (yours and your baby’s!). You might want to write a list of questions before you visit to make sure you cover everything.
Immunisation
Immunisation protects us against bacteria and viral nasties, such as measles and diphtheria, that once killed thousands. Some are by needle, some by mouth and all contain inert (not alive) particles of the virus or bacteria to help the body ‘learn’ how to become immune to it. Immunisation is considered essential protection for your baby. Newborns can be immunised by a GP or at a baby health centre at birth, two months and four months.
The Maternity Immunisation Allowance is only payable once you’ve followed the immunisation recommendations.
Signs of illness
As a parent, you’re the person who knows your baby best, so you might be the first to notice if she’s unwell and to recognise serious illness. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you see any of the following signs in your newborn:
- broken skin that looks ‘angry’, red and inflamed
- a fever (a temperature of more than 38°C)
- any major skin discolouration, like red spots, yellowish skin or yellowish eyes.
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Doctors and medicine
When your baby is feeling under the weather, there’s only one thing you want to do – make him feel better as soon as possible. But it can be hard to know what kind of medication to give and when. Knowing you have good medical care for your baby can put your mind at ease, and choosing a good doctor ahead of time can save a lot of worry.
Going to hospital can be very stressful for children, as well as for parents and the rest of the family. Read about how you can make visits easier for your child and yourselves in our article about going to hospital.
Four tips to keep your baby healthy
1. Protect against germs
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 germ-free. Find out more in our article about hygiene.
2. Don’t give unprescribed medications
Normal household medicine can be deadly to a newborn. Even baby painkillers, cough medicine and decongestants can all cause harm, as can other medications. That’s why it’s important not to give any medication to your baby unless it’s prescribed for her by your doctor. Some herbal remedies can also be dangerous, so it’s always best to check with a doctor first.
3. Protect her ears
Your baby’s ears are delicate, so protect her from loud sounds very close to her ears. Even an innocent popping kiss on the ear can cause some permanent deafness – not to mention an excited older child yelling in her ear, a barking dog or blasting music.
4. Keep her air clean
‘Secondhand smoke’ can cause serious health risks to non-smokers. If someone in your house smokes, they can protect your newborn by always smoking outside. Avoid using chemical household sprays, like insect repellent or cleaning products, when your baby is in the room. And as your newborn’s skin is even too sensitive for personal insect spray or baby sunscreen, it’s best to simply shelter her from mosquitoes, flies and the sun.
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This short video is about the incidence and treatment of infections in babies and children. It features paediatrician Dr Con James talking in simple terms about the differences between viral and bacterial infections. You’ll hear about the frequency of urinary tract infections in children, and the causes of and treatments for ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis and dermatitis.
