Are you looking for tips on how to keep your baby safe and healthy? No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s crucial to have basic knowledge about the most common baby health issues that babies face, from the first few weeks of life all the way through toddlerhood. This article will give you the information you need about common health issues in babies you should know about.
Recurrent Ear Infections
One of the most common baby health issues that babies develop is a recurrent ear infection, caused by bacteria or viruses. While some babies are more susceptible to these infections than others, there are ways to reduce your baby’s risk. Eating healthy, keeping your home clean, and using natural cleaning products can go a long way toward reducing bacteria and other agents that cause infections. If you have a history of recurring ear infections or if you just want to know what steps you can take proactively then it’s worth reading our guide on how to prevent recurrent ear infections. It outlines several of these simple steps along with tips for making sure that your baby doesn’t get sick in the first place.
Colic
One of the most common baby health issues faced by babies is colic. It happens when a baby has trouble digesting food and crying excessively, which means that she’s uncomfortable, and can be very distressing for parents. To find out what’s causing your baby’s colic and get some much-needed relief.
Take a look at our helpful infographic. It’ll help you identify what’s causing your baby discomfort and make it easier to relax. Plus it contains tips on managing colic symptoms. Best of all, we’ve got some great advice about baby sleep training so you can get those restful nights back! See an infographic with more information about colic here.
Hiccups
Your baby’s hiccups can seem like a big deal, but they’re actually pretty common. Hiccups happen when your baby swallows too much air. Usually, hiccups go away on their own within about 15 minutes and don’t need any treatment. Still, if you notice that your baby has hiccups for more than a few hours, or you think her hiccups are especially severe, talk to your doctor. Your baby might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which happens when stomach acid flows back up into your baby’s esophagus causing irritation and pain. GERD is more common in babies who are bottle-fed rather than breastfed.
Gas
Acid reflux, or GERD, is a common baby health issue, who typically experience GERD because of their immature esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when your baby’s stomach acid backs up into his throat and mouth, causing gas and other digestive symptoms such as spit-up.
If you’ve noticed changes in your baby’s eating habits like spitting up more than usual or notice that he seems to have trouble swallowing his food. He may be experiencing acid reflux. Acid reflux can become a serious health problem if it causes frequent vomiting or makes it difficult for your baby to gain weight. Speak with your pediatrician about gas medication that can ease these symptoms without disrupting sleep and eating patterns.
Sleep Problems
According to The National Sleep Foundation, about 25% of babies and toddlers experience sleep problems. Sleep problems can lead to a variety of issues including temper tantrums, hyperactivity, crankiness. And poor eating habits, making it important for parents to work with their pediatrician to find solutions. Sometimes a simple change of routine or reduction in stimulation helps sleep deprivation fade away. Other times some kind of therapy is needed. If your baby is having trouble sleeping at night or during naps, consult your pediatrician as soon as possible so that you can find a solution and get some much-needed rest. In addition to sleep issues causing daytime crankiness. They can also increase the risk for serious conditions such as colic and autism if left untreated over time.
Cold
Ear infections and other common illnesses are serious problems for newborns. As their immune systems aren’t developed enough to defend against many of them. It’s not uncommon for a young baby to come down with an illness like a cold or flu during his first year; symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, cough, ear pain or drainage, fever, and listlessness. If your infant is younger than three months old, you should always check with your pediatrician. If he has a sore throat or ear pain doctors usually treat these symptoms more aggressively when they appear at such a young age.