5 Common Health Conditions Newborns May Have

Being a new parent is an incredibly joyous and exciting journey. The thrill of meeting your newborn for the first time is a moment you'll cherish forever. However, it's also natural to feel a mix of worry and stress as you navigate this new role and strive to be the best parent you can be.

One key area of concern for any new parent is their baby's health. It's a learning process for both of you as you get to know each other. Your baby can't tell you how she's feeling, so it's essential to understand what's normal and what to expect. Knowing about common newborn health considerations can help ease your mind and strengthen your bond with your baby.

Skin Problems

Your baby's skin might appear to change from birth and over the next few weeks. As it matures, you might notice changes such as blotches, blemishes, spots, or discoloration. These are all normal changes and should be something you should expect. In the first few days, you might notice that the initial thick skin softens and gives way to dry skin. Your baby might develop milk spots, which are small and harmless white spots that appear on newborn skin, or he might get rashes. However, understanding the difference between normal newborn skin and heat rash vs allergic reaction in babies, which can include severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in skin color, can ensure you get medical treatment if required for any skin issues.

Changing Bowel Movements

Diaper changes will become a regular part of your routine over the next few years. In the first few days and weeks, you might notice a significant change in your baby's diaper almost every hour. The first few bowel movements will be black and green, which is the meconium, a normal occurrence in healthy babies within the first 48 hours.

However, over the next few weeks, you might find yourself experiencing a range of different movements, from diarrhea to constipation or even blood and various colors. It's also important to note that breast-fed babies will have more liquid movements than bottle-fed babies, and both should have frequent movements. If you notice any sudden changes in your baby's bowel movements, such as a significant increase in frequency, unusual consistency, or the presence of blood, it's important to talk to your pediatrician to see if anything is going on. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby's health. So don't worry about contacting your pediatrician.

Diaper Rash

Your baby's skin is delicate, and as such, they might experience frequent bouts of diaper rash no matter how careful you are. Using barrier creams can give you added protection between the skin and the content of the diaper, as can using non-fragrant wipes or water only to clean your baby at each diaper change. You can also always leave your little one without a diaper for a short period to let fresh air circulate the area.

Coughs, Colds, Fevers

Your newborn's immune system will not mature until she is around 3 to 4 months old. In those first few months, your baby might experience a range of coughs, colds, and fevers as he comes into contact with germs and viruses in the environment. This is a normal part of his immune system development, and while it's not nice to see your baby suffering, it's important to allow the body to build its defenses. That's not to say you should expose your baby, but it's entirely normal for this to occur.

If your child struggles to breathe from coughing, wheezing, or having lips develop a bluish tinge, get him medical care immediately. If his fever doesn't break again, talk to your doctor. All babies under 3 months with a temperature over 100.4℉ should see a healthcare professional as standard unless it's within 48 hours of their immunizations.

Colic

Colic is when a baby cries a lot for no apparent reason. It usually develops around 3 weeks of age and can last until the 6-week mark. For some, it could be as late as 12 weeks. Typically, colic is determined by the 3-3-3 rule: if your baby has bouts of crying for three hours or more per day, three days per week for 3 weeks, then it could be a sign of colic.

There's often not a lot you can do to console a baby with colic, and it can be highly stressful for both baby and parent; however, it is not a direct reflection between you or your parenting. 

Many parents find success with holding their babies and standing with them over their shoulders or against their chests as they gently rock them. Feeding them upright can reduce excess air intake, and winding them fully can lessen the symptoms. But it's a case of soothing your baby the best you can and finding what works for you.

These are just a few things to consider and keep in mind with your newborn. This time period can be challenging but reach out to others for help and advice. You got this!