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Many newborn babies develop minor issues, but this is normal. Here are some of the more common things to watch for in the first few weeks after your baby is born.
Eye discharge
Many babies have eye discharge. If it’s clear, just gently wipe it away using warm water and a clean, soft washcloth.
If the eye discharge has any color, it could be an infection. In that case it’s best to see your baby’s clinician.
Nasal congestion
Congestion can be as uncomfortable for your baby as it is for you. If your baby is very congested, you can try using saline drops. These are usually available at your local drugstore. To use the saline drops:
- Place 3 to 4 drops in one nostril.
- Gently clear that nostril with a baby nasal suction device such as a Nose Frida or bulb syringe.
- Repeat on the other side.
You can also try using a cold-mist humidifier to help clear up congestion. Clean the humidifier daily to avoid mold. Don’t put anything in the humidifier, and don’t use any rubs or patches on your newborn.
Some conditions need treatment
There are some medical conditions that need treatment from your baby’s clinician. If your baby shows any of these signs, be sure to let your pediatrician know right away.
Eye infections
Let your pediatrician know if you think your baby might have an eye infection. Signs of an eye infection might include:
- Red eyes.
- Swollen eyes.
- Yellowish discharge.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The yellow discoloration may spread to your baby’s chest, arms, abdomen, and legs.
It is common for newborns to develop jaundice during the first week of life. It usually appears within 48 hours after birth.
Jaundice occurs when too much of a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the body. It takes time for a newborn’s liver to completely remove bilirubin, especially if your baby is premature.
At low levels, jaundice doesn’t cause any problems. In rare cases, the level of bilirubin can rise rapidly to dangerously high levels that could cause brain damage if left untreated.
Looking at your baby may not always be the best way to identify jaundice. At the hospital, your care team does a quick blood test on every baby to check for bilirubin levels.
Your care team checks the blood levels of premature or sick babies one or more times a day for the first few days. If the bilirubin level is too high, they may treat your baby with a special light therapy called phototherapy.
Thrush
Some babies get an infection of the mouth called thrush, which is caused by a type of yeast. You’ll notice white patches on your baby’s cheeks, gums, or tongue. In some cases, babies refuse to nurse or develop diaper rash.
If your baby has thrush, your nipples can get infected if you’re breastfeeding. You might notice red, scaly nipples that are painful during and after a feeding.
Fortunately, thrush is very easy to treat. Your clinician can help you get rid of the infection for your baby and yourself.
Colic
Some babies seem to cry on a regular schedule. Colic is when this crying occurs around the same time each night. Colicky babies are hard to soothe. They might cry for a few minutes or a few hours at a time.
Colic isn’t easy for anyone in the household to deal with. Keep in mind that the condition usually goes away on its own within 3 months after birth.
Cradle cap
It’s normal for infants to develop thick, scaly patches on the top of their scalp. This is known as cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis. There is no evidence cradle cap will harm your baby. In fact, it usually goes away on its own within a few months.
Clinicians aren’t sure what exactly causes cradle cap. However, it might happen because your baby’s skin is adjusting to a drier environment after leaving the womb. You might notice:
- Flakes (dandruff).
- Mild redness.
- Yellow crusts.
If your baby has cradle cap, try the following:
- Apply mineral oil to their scalp. It’s best to do this about an hour before bath time.
- Only use a gentle, mild shampoo to wash your baby’s scalp.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush to loosen any patches on the scalp before you rinse.
If you are ever concerned about the health of your newborn, contact your care team and explain what’s going on. They’ll be happy to help you and relieve any worry.