Five Common Infant Ailments: When to Worry

Whether you are a first-time parent or a parenting veteran that can spout motherhood tips in their sleep, having a sick child will always be a cause for concern or worry. It’s one of the most natural instincts to want to protect our children and keep them healthy at all times. Which is why when we notice that our child is feeling under the weather, anxiety can’t help but set in.

For a first-time parent it can sometimes go beyond worry and on to full panic mode. Too many pediatricians can tell stories about getting phone calls from stressed parents over their children’s health. Sometimes the situation is laughable, such as a parent not having removed the cap off of an ear-thermometer and thinking their baby’s temperature was too cold. (We won’t tell you who it is!)

Again, feeling the panic is normal. Calling the pedia? Normal! All parents seek to do is to make sure their children are happy and healthy. And, of course, we want that too, which is why we put together the five most common infant ailments and the signals for when you should really worry!

1. Cough & Cold.

How you’ll know: If your infant has a runny nose, it could be a sign that s/he is developing a cold. Colds can occur in infants because their immune systems might not be as strong as they need to be yet. If it is coupled by a cough, you’ll hear it!

How to treat it: Lots of fluids are the best way to treat both. Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest, and if needed, using a neti pot or saline solution to clear the nose can help alleviate their congestion.

When to Worry: If you notice that your infant’s mucus is turning green or yellow then it is probably time to call the pediatrician. This could be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, and it is important to address these quickly in infants. Wheezing or difficulty breathing is another cause for concern and a phone call to the doctor.

2. Fever.

How you know: One of the easiest ailments to detect, if your child is warmer to the touch than usual, then it’s time to pull out the thermometer and check for a fever. You know your infant has a fever if s/he is running a temperature of 37.5C or higher.

How to treat it: Lots of fluids work well to treat a fever, but beyond that managing it is most important. Keeping the baby cool by wiping him/her down with a cool towel (especially in the forehead area) is one way to manage the fever. Giving baby-safe paracetamol or acetaminophen — but only with the advice of your pediatrician.

When to Worry: If your infant’s fever does not go away after two days or if their fever is very high (39C or higher) then you should call your pediatrician. Very high fevers can be damaging to infants and children of a young age, and it is best to have it assessed by a doctor.

3. Constipation or Diarrhea.

How you know: If your infant has not pooped in several days and they’re already mixed-feeding or are eating solids, then they are likely constipated. If your infant is pooping more frequently than usual or is passing watery stool frequently throughout the day, then they may have diarrhea. 

How to treat it: For both constipation and diarrhea, drinking plenty of liquids can help both ailments, and are important first steps. For the former, stimulating the child’s anus by gently inserting a lubricated cotton swab can help them pass what’s in their bowels. For the latter, giving them oral rehydration salts solution or a pediatric electrolyte solution can help keep them hydrated.

When to Worry: If your child is under six months old and has diarrhea then calling your pediatrician is a must. It can be difficult for babies to rehydrate themselves, especially if they aren’t feeling well. 

4. Diaper Rash.

How you know: Your child’s bum, private area, and inner thigh shows a red rash with raised bumps. It may be warm to the touch. They may seem visibly uncomfortable.

How to treat it: Keep the area clean and cool. Wipe with water (not baby wipes) during each diaper change, and use over the counter diaper rash creams, lanolin cream, or other moisturizing creams for infants.

When to Worry: If your infant’s diaper rash does not get any better after a week or two of following your treatment regimen or if the rash is so bad that the skin begins to break, consult your pediatrician for alternative ways to address it.

5. Ear Ache / Infection

How you know: Your child will be more irritable than usual. There may be fluid coming out of his/her ear, and they may have a fever.

How to treat it: If couple with a fever, giving your child acetaminophen or paracetamol can help alleviate both the fever and the pain. Give them plenty of fluids, and call your doctor.

When to Worry: If your infant is less than two years old, consulting a doctor is necessary. Ear infections often require antibiotics, and it is always best to consult your pediatrician before proceeding.

Remember, whenever treating any ailment for anyone in your family, the first step is to try to make them as comfortable as possible. If your baby is crying it can be difficult for you to assess the situation and know what to do. Take a deep breath, and remember that there are plenty of people ready to help!