When you are a first time parent, being responsible for another
human being is a fairly daunting prospect! It is difficult to know when
you are just being a slightly over protective parent and when you really
do need to call in medical assistance for your baby. If your baby is
very ill and has difficulty in breathing has a very high temperature, is
vomiting or defecating excessively, having convulsions or passing blood
then you certainly need to call a doctor. Similarly if he is weak and
has no energy you may wish to check with a professional. However, in
most cases you will be able to simply treat minor problems yourself.
Here are a few of the most common baby health issues and tips about
treating them.
Caring For A Newborns Umbilical Cord
When
your baby comes home, he will still have a part of the umbilical cord
attached to his belly button. This will all off within a few weeks.
However, it can become infected so until it does drop off you should
take care to keep it clean and dry. It is recommended that you gently
dab the area once or twice a day with some alcohol on a cotton swab. It
is also important to make sure that the baby's diaper is below the cord
so that it is not rubbed or wet with urine. In the event that the cord
becomes red and irritated or bleeds and leaks a foul smelling pus, you
should contact your baby's health provider. In the first few weeks this
will likely be your midwife.
Preventing And Treating Diaper Rash
It
is possible to prevent diaper rash all together by changing your baby's
diaper frequently and washing her bottom with soap and warm water
between changes. However, if the skin does become irritated you can
apply zinc oxide paste to the affected area. It can also be useful to
leave baby uncovered for a few hours each day to let her bottom enjoy
fresh air. Do not forget to put some towels underneath her to catch any
accidents!
Treating Colic
Colic can be one
of the most frustrating issues far both parents and babies. It is severe
pain caused by wind, and can only really be soothed until it passes.
You should ensure that all other needs are taken care of before assuming
that it is colic causing baby to cry. Is he wet, hot, lonely or tired?
If you are sure it is colic there are a number of ways to calm the pain.
Try holding baby stomach down across your lap and rubbing his back. You
may also wish to add a gentle rocking motion. Sometimes pushing the
baby in a stroller can sooth them. If colic is frequent then consider
swapping baby's diet.
Hope you find these tips useful! I recommend you check out the
Pediatric and Pregnancy health topics
[http://kidsworldmd.com/Pregnancy_Newborn.php] at KidsWorldMD
[http://kidsworldmd.com/]. Definitely one of my favorite kids health
resources!
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