Identifying and Understanding the Most Frequent Baby Ailments
Few things worry parents more than the thought of their baby getting sick. It’s a reality that, eventually, your little one will catch something. While it’s tough to predict the first illness, this guide can help you distinguish between common ailments and those that might be more serious.
### Colds
Just like adults, babies can catch colds. Their immature immune systems and habits of putting everything in their mouths make them particularly susceptible to the hundreds of viruses causing colds. Signs include a runny nose (with yellow or green mucus), sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a low fever. If the illness is more serious, you may notice your baby becoming unusually tired, having a high fever, or showing behavioral changes. While colds develop slowly, more serious conditions tend to appear suddenly.
### Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is common, affecting about 25% of babies in their first month. Their sensitive skin can easily get irritated, especially when wet for too long. While diaper rash is usually not a big deal, if it doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter treatments or starts to crack and bleed, contact your pediatrician.
### Vomiting and Diarrhea
These issues are also common in babies and are generally caused by viruses. With their frequent exposure to new germs, it’s something you’ll probably deal with repeatedly. Usually, there’s no need to see a doctor unless vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days.
### Fever
For babies, a fever is considered a temperature over 100.4°F. Many things can cause a fever, but most are not serious. For babies under three months, any fever is a concern and warrants a call to the doctor. For older babies, monitor their behavior and eating habits. If they seem okay and the fever doesn’t last more than 24 hours, there’s usually no need to worry. However, if the fever is persistent (lasting more than 24 hours), very high (over 104°F), or if your baby seems unusually sluggish, contact your doctor immediately.
Being prepared and knowing what to watch for can help you handle these common baby illnesses with a bit more confidence. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s health.
