During the first year of its life, a baby develops symptoms that are normal and can be easily dealt with by parents. 11 most common health problems during first year explain given below.
1) Bowl Movements
Bowl movement may at first cause you some concern. For the first 2-3 days, the movement will be sticky and tar coloured. If the baby is bottle-fed, this will change to green, then yellowish. At first, movements will correspond with feeding-one for each feed – but they will become less frequent, maybe as few as once a day in a bottle-fed baby. The pattern is similar for breast-fed babies except that the movement is likely to be more orange in colour.
A sudden change from passing soft movements to hard movements indicates that the baby maybe constipated.
If the baby is constipated, try giving her sugared water during the day and if this falls, try orange juice. If the child does not respond to these measures, consult the doctor.
A bottle-fed baby who is troubled by frequent, semi-liquid stools may already be getting too much sugar. A frequent and excessively watery bowel movement, is a symptom of diarrhoea. This condition should be reported to the doctor at once.
2) Body Temperature
The body temperature of a newborn baby tends to fluctuate. The child can overheat or get very cold quite easily. Avoid exposing the baby to any temperature above 24 degree or below 13 degree.
3) Bone Deformities
Talipes, or club foot, is a minor deformity and if properly treated, can usually be cured within a few months. More serious abnormalities affecting the joints, bone and muscles may require longer periods of specialist treatment, but in every case, early medical advice is vital.
4) Breast Enlargement
During the first two months, there is an enlargement of the baby’s breasts, whether male or female. This is normal and disappears in time. Inform the doctor only if the nipples become red and hot.
5) Colds and runny nose
Many babies get a stuffy nose, which is no cause of concern. If the child has a cold, she will show the usual symptoms – watery eyes, runny nose etc. call the doctor.
6) Cradlecap
This is excessive Scaliness of the baby’s scalp. It clears up with regular washing.
7) Croup
This is a difficulty in breathing associated with a chest or throat infection. It maybe relived by keeping the air warm and moist.
8) Loss of Appetite
If a baby will not feed, it may be due to a cold or some other minor ailment. Tell the doctor if the loss of appetite persists.
9) Skin Rashes
The most common is nappy rash, caused by leaving a wet nappy on too long, or insufficient rinsing of the nappy after washing.
If Nappy rash occurs, change the nappies frequently, and if they smell of ammonia, soak them in a bucket of water to which 2 tablespoons of vinegar has been added. A barrier cream, such as a Zinc-based ointment helps to prevent nappy rash. It is better to leave the nappy off for as long as possible between changes.
If the Rash persists, or if a rash appears on any other part of the body take the baby to the doctor at once.
10) Thrush
This is a whitish appearance of the mouth and throat due to a fungal infection. If should be treated by a doctor.
11) Vomiting
This is usually of no significance. All babies vomit a title, this is called positing or regurgitation and happens during or shortly after a feed. A slight adjustment to feeding routine may cure it, although some babies continue to vomit regardless. Regurgitation after feeds accompanied by wind is quite common in normal babies. The appearance of the vomit varies considerably. Fluid returned soon after a breast-feed usually has the appearance of unaltered milk. If there some delay before vomiting takes place, the vomit contains curdled milk. The presence of muscus suggests irritation of the lining of the stomach. Vomit of any kind has an unpleasant sour but not foul odour. The management of vomiting should be to treat the underlying cause which is usually a simple feeding problem. If the vomiting becomes serious, consult your doctor at once.