Common Conditions in Babies
Your baby may cry excessively for many reasons ranging from hunger to discomfort; babies often develop various conditions in their first year of life, such as respiratory issues, skin conditions, and abdominal problems. While some of the common conditions in babies go away independently, others require a visit to the pediatrician for medical assistance.
Respiratory Issues
Sometimes babies have difficulties breathing in normal patterns. This is normal and usually occurs because of a blocked nasal passage; you can treat this by using saline nasal drops. Some babies develop viral infections such as croup, RSV, and bronchiolitis, all of which are easily treated.
While respiratory conditions are most common during fall and winter, babies can develop them at any time. If your baby’s breathing suddenly seems irregular or as though they’re hyperventilating, contact your pediatrician.
Skin Irritation
It’s not uncommon for newborn babies to develop a rash such as a diaper rash. Here are some others they could develop:
- Pink pimples
- Erythema toxicum
- Dry skin
- Salmon patches
Each of these conditions is harmless, and many go away on their own after a bit of time; however, some babies have sensitive skin and are more prone to developing these conditions than others. If you find your baby has sensitive skin, there are various ways to soothe it, ranging from moisturizing their skin to purchasing different clothing.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are never fun and lead to hours of crying and frustration; if your baby is suffering from one, they may cry more or rub their ears to show their discomfort. Sometimes babies develop an ear infection because of bacteria, but other times, it’s linked to viruses such as the flu or a cold, so they may develop a fever.
Your baby may need to see a doctor if a discharge is coming from their ear. Or, they’ll need to visit the doctor if:
- They still have symptoms after three days.
- Their symptoms worsened.
While this is scary if you’re a new parent, it usually goes away on its own; however, if your baby has one of the above symptoms, they may need antibiotics from your pediatrician.
Abdominal Distension
Another one of the common conditions in babies is abdominal distension, which results from swallowing too much air while breathing. If your baby’s tummy is swollen or hard, they likely have gas; luckily, this condition will ease as your baby adjusts to eating.
