A new baby is an exciting adventure that is full of wonderful surprises, and also some more stressful moments. One of the most difficult times is when your little one is experiencing a bout of illness. Naturally as parents we want to do the best for our child and it is distressing to see them suffering, whether it’s with their first tooth or a cold.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of baby illnesses, and the possible cues that you should manage it yourself, consult a pharmacist or call a doctor.
Crying
Almost all young babies will cry and scream at some point, and usually this is a way of communicating that they have unmet needs rather than that they are feeling unwell. The key is to listen out for patterns of crying that are unusual for your baby. Most of the time, babies will cry because they need a feed, a nappy change, or want a cuddle.
However, if your instincts are telling you that your baby’s cry sounds more disturbing or persistent than usual, it may be a sign of something more serious. Check their temperature: if it is above 38°C and their skin feels hot and clammy to the touch, it’s essential to seek urgent medical treatment because it might be a dangerous fever.
If your baby is three months or older, and is feverish and fretful but does not have a temperature over 38°C, it could be a sign of teething. Other signs to look out for include flushed cheeks, a rash on their face, gnawing or chewing on objects, and sleeping less or being more irritable than usual.
Teething discomfort is caused by pressure on the gums as the new teeth push through. It can be relieved by gently massaging the gums or applying pressure with a cold cloth. However, if your baby appears to be in more serious pain then it may be necessary to consult a pharmacist for mild pain relief.
A popular alternative to giving your baby over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol is to make use of an amber teething necklace. These are not toys or decorative items, although the richly coloured beads are very eye-catching and beautiful. In fact, raw Baltic amber has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Amber is formed from fossilised tree resin that is millions of years old, and it contains a natural analgesic called succinic acid. When the amber is worn next to the skin, the transferred warmth releases small amounts of succinic acid, which is absorbed through the layers of the epidermis and into the bloodstream.
Some parents find that this helps to soothe teething pains in their little one. However, it should be noted that the baby must be supervised at all times when they are wearing the necklace, and they should not be put down to sleep with the necklace on.
Colds and coughs
It’s not uncommon for babies to get coughs and colds. They might have a runny nose, cough or sneeze, be feverish, be reluctant to feed, and breathe more rapidly than usual. Most of the time, a baby will recover without any medical treatment. Ensure that they are regularly given fluids and that their environment is neither too hot or too cold.
If your baby appears to be in a lot of discomfort discuss their symptoms with a pharmacist, who may recommend a mild painkiller if appropriate. If the baby has a temperature of over 38°C, is having serious difficulty breathing, is an abnormal colour or is very difficult to awaken, then take them to A&E or phone for an ambulance.
Upset stomach
It’s not unusual for babies to get stomach upsets. They may have symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, and will refuse to feed. Offer your baby small amounts of fluid to keep them hydrated. Sometimes, the symptoms may be mild and clear up within 24 hours.
If your baby continues to vomit or has loose stools for more than 24 hours, then you should consult a doctor. Other signs that you should call a doctor include blood in the stools, a high temperature, or excessive drowsiness.
If you do decide to consult a doctor about an illness in your child, write down when the symptoms first started, the severity of each symptom, and any changes you have noticed over time. Trust your instincts on what’s normal for your baby, and if something does not seem quite right, err on the side of caution.
