New parents are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there about their baby's health. It can be easy to get caught up in worrying and overthinking every little thing that happens with your new baby, but there are some common symptoms that you should know about. If you're concerned about something, always talk to your child's pediatrician as soon as possible—no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at first.
Rashes and skin conditions
Some rashes and skin conditions in babies are common and may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. These include:
- Diaper rash is the most common skin condition in babies, and can result from using irritating products like baby wipes or diaper creams with harsh chemicals.
- Eczema occurs when the baby’s skin becomes dry, irritated, itchy, and inflamed. It can be caused by contact with irritants such as soap or detergent; allergies to food or dust mites; sweat buildup under their clothing; rubbing against blankets during sleep; excessive scratching due to allergies; or even dry air caused by central heating systems.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of an illness. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of vomiting, as it can be caused by a virus, food poisoning, or other illnesses.
If your baby has vomited, you may also notice that they have diarrhea as well. If your baby has vomited for several days in a row and you are concerned about dehydration or other complications from their vomiting, then seek medical attention immediately.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common and often harmless symptom. It can cause dehydration, which can be serious so it's important to know what causes diarrhea and what you can do to treat it.
Diarrhea is when you have three or more loose bowel movements in 24 hours. It may be caused by viruses like the stomach flu (gastroenteritis), bacteria such as E. coli, or parasites like giardia lamblia. Other causes of diarrhea include food poisoning, medication side effects, lactose intolerance (when your body doesn't have enough of the enzyme needed for digestion), colitis (inflammation of the colon) and Crohn's disease (an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system).
Fever
Fever is one of the most common symptoms for babies to experience. It’s not dangerous and can be caused by many things, including teething, allergies and colds. A fever isn’t always a sign that your child is sick—some kids have fevers just because they have an active immune system from being healthy (which is great).
If you notice a temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) you should take your baby to the doctor immediately. But if it's only under 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), try treating it at home with over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Jaundice
The most common symptom of jaundice is a yellowing of the baby's skin, particularly on his or her face. This can be a sign that there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is usually caused by a liver problem (hepatobiliary disease) or an obstruction in the bile flow between the liver and intestines. Other symptoms include pale stool, a yellowish discharge from your baby’s eyes or nose and lethargy. If you think your child may have jaundice, speak to their doctor immediately so they can get treated right away!
Respiratory symptoms
If a child is experiencing respiratory symptoms, they may show signs of:
- Coughing, sneezing, runny nose and congestion
- Breathing difficulties
- Swollen and/or red eyes
- Fever (this can be accompanied by other symptoms such as irritability and loss of appetite)
- Wheezing
Conclusion
Be sure to keep an eye out for these common baby symptoms in newborns and infants. If you see something that concerns you, or if your baby seems unwell, consult with a pediatrician immediately!
