Becoming a parent is an extraordinary journey, full of love, happiness, and learning. But it also comes with its share of difficulties, especially when it comes to understanding and managing the range of health issues babies often face. This article explains the most common baby problems, including diaper rash, sleepless nights, and teething, and how parents can manage them with confidence and compassion.
1- Diaper rash
Diaper rash in babies is one of the first problems parents face. It’s a common condition that can make a baby’s skin sore, red, scaly, and sensitive.
In general, diaper rash is the result of irritation, infection, or allergy.
- Irritation. A baby’s skin can become irritated when a diaper is left on too long, and feces (or the diaper itself) rubs against the skin repeatedly.
- Infection. Urine changes the pH of the skin, making it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow. The substances that prevent diapers from leaking also prevent air circulation, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, resulting in a rash.
- Allergies. Babies with sensitive skin can also develop rashes. Certain types of detergent, soap, diapers (or diaper dyes), or baby wipes can affect sensitive skin and cause rashes.
What’s more, the introduction of new foods can alter the content and frequency of a baby’s stools, sometimes leading to diaper rash. Finally, diarrhea can aggravate an existing diaper rash.
To get rid of diaper rash, check your baby’s diaper often and change it as soon as it becomes wet or soiled. Gently clean the diaper area with soap and water, then pat dry. Creams and ointments containing zinc oxide or petroleum help soothe the skin and protect it from moisture. They should be applied in a thick layer (like cake icing) at each diaper change.
2- Cradle cap
The sight of cradle caps – a scaly condition on a baby’s scalp – can worry new parents. But fear not! It’s a common and generally harmless phenomenon. It’s the common term for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in infants. A baby with a cradle cap has yellow, slightly red, scaly, or crusty patches on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can also appear on the face or diaper area and spread to other parts of the body.
The exact cause of the cradle cap is not known. It is probably due to a combination of factors. Excess sebum in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, as well as a type of yeast present on the skin, called Malassezia, may play a role in the development of seborrheic dermatitis.
The cradle cap usually disappears on its own within a few weeks or months. In the meantime, you can loosen and remove the scales from your baby’s scalp:
- Wash your baby’s hair once a day with a mild, non-irritating baby shampoo.
- Gently remove scales with a soft brush or toothbrush.
- If the flakes don’t come off easily, apply a small amount of mineral oil or Vaseline to your baby’s scalp. Allow the oil to penetrate the flakes for a few minutes, or several hours if necessary. Then use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove the flakes. Shampoo your baby’s hair as usual.
If regular shampooing isn’t enough, your doctor may recommend a mild steroid cream or an antifungal shampoo.
3- The teething phase
Teething corresponds to the appearance of the first teeth on a baby’s gums. This can be a frustrating time for babies and their parents. Knowing what to expect during teething and how to make it a little less painful can help.
When children start teething, they may drool more and feel the need to chew on things. For some babies, teething is painless. Here are some tips to keep in mind when your baby is teething:
- Wipe your baby’s face often with a cloth to remove drool and prevent rashes.
- Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
- Give your baby something to chew on. Make sure the object is large enough so that he can’t swallow it or choke, and that it can’t break into small pieces. A wet washcloth placed in the freezer for 30 minutes is a very practical teething aid.
- Teething cookies and frozen or cold foods are only suitable for children who are already eating solid foods. Do not use them if your child has not yet begun to eat solid foods. Keep an eye on your baby to make sure that no pieces come loose or present a choking hazard.
- If your baby seems irritable, ask your doctor if it’s possible to give him a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) to relieve his discomfort.
4- Sleep disorders
Irregular sleep patterns are common in babies, causing stress for both parents and children. That’s why it’s useful to know the possible reasons why your baby isn’t sleeping. Here are some of the most common sleep problems in babies and solutions to help your restless child get to sleep.
- Your baby doesn’t know if it’s day or night.
Some babies start sleeping on what’s called a reverse day/night schedule. Your baby sleeps well during the day but is awake and busy at night. It’s frustrating and exhausting, but it’s temporary.
At night, keep lights low or turn them off close to where he sleeps. The same goes for noise and movement. Also, put your baby outside in the sun. Natural light helps reset his internal clock.
- Your baby is hungry
Your newborn doesn’t eat much in a single feed. If you’re breastfeeding, milk is digested quickly. This means that a baby can wake up hungry and ready to fill his or her tummy.
Even if you know you’ve fed your baby a few hours before, check to see if your little one needs feeding.
Thirst is another reason why babies wake up. A glass of breast milk or formula can do the trick.
- Your baby doesn’t feel well
There’s almost always something going on in your newborn’s body, and most of the time it’s uncomfortable. Your baby may be teething, have a cold or allergies, have gas, or be constipated.
Consult your pediatrician if you think pain or allergies might be the cause.
- Your baby needs you
Some babies are so in love with their parents that they can’t waste time sleeping. Your baby wants to know what you’re doing. And he wants to play. With you. In the middle of the night.
Some parents find that sleeping in the same room helps the baby feel close while giving the parents a break.
- Your baby is wired
Babies are sensitive. Too much stimulation can distract them from their sleep.
For breastfeeding mothers, their baby’s nocturnal wakefulness is often a clue that something in their diet isn’t right for their baby’s stomach.
Other caregivers find that a busy day, full of noise and activity, doesn’t allow their baby to switch into rest mode.
In a nutshell
Parenting is an exciting adventure, full of learning opportunities, and knowing the typical difficulties babies face helps parents cope. By educating themselves, seeking support when needed, and providing love and care, parents can overcome these common baby problems while cherishing the precious moments when they see their little ones grow and flourish.
