Bringing a precious new life into the world is like no other joy in life. It’s a journey that parents always anxiously look forward to but all their anxiety vanishes when they see the cute little face of the newborn for the first time. It’s a joy that has no comparison. Nothing can equal the exhilaration parents experience during this time. However, this new journey is riddled with challenges for every parent.
Newborns are susceptible to various common illnesses. They are delicate and if ignored, even the most basic common cold in newborns can take a serious turn. The only solution to take care of newborn diseases is thoroughly studying their symptoms, keeping effective home remedies at your disposal and the doctor’s number at speed dial.
In this article, we'll explore the common infant diseases, from the newborn cold symptoms to causes of eczema in newborns, and find out solutions to manage them.
Effective Home Remedies for Newborns with Colds
Newborns often battle colds and flu. The common cold symptoms in newborns are runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild coughing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Though it’s better to consult a paediatrician, a child specialist may not always be available. If you come across such a situation, the below-mentioned effective home remedies can alleviate your baby’s discomfort:
- Focus on maintaining proper hydration. A hydrated newborn can easily get rid of a stuffy nose as the liquid thins mucus. Breast milk or formula is fundamental for a swift recovery. But in the quest of hydrating your little ones and keeping them away from newborn diseases, don’t offer them sweetened juices. They are of no use to them. Check their urine color to ensure the kid is hydrated and is drinking enough milk or water.
- You can keep a cool-mist humidifier handy to ease congestion and make breathing comfortable for your baby. A few drops of saline solution in your baby's nose can clear congestion. Such saline addresses the thick mucus and loosens it enough to get rid of them.
- You can place a rolled towel under the crib mattress to gently elevate their head and reduce nasal congestion.
Flu Symptoms in Newborns
While the cold and the flu share several common symptoms, the flu tends to be more severe and can lead to complications. Flu symptoms in newborns may include a high fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, runny or stuffy nose, and extreme fatigue. If you suspect your baby has the flu, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on treatment and management.
Home Remedies to Treat Cold and Cough
There are several doctor-prescribed over-the-counter medicines available to treat signs of colds in newborns. But parents still prefer home remedies as they are safer and give the kids quick relief from the uneasiness of cold and cough:
- Vapour rub at the bottom of their feet over the socks opens up the airways and improves the mucus flow from the nose. However, this practice is safe for babies over the age of 4 months.
- Use a nasal aspirator to remove mucus from your baby's nose.
- A gentle back or chest massage can make the baby feel comfortable and improve blood circulation.
- Let the baby rest as much as he/she wants/needs.
- Honey and ginger water is great for babies over the age of a year.
Eczema in Newborns - Symptoms & Remedies
Eczema in newborns is common. Atopic Dermatitis or eczema appears as red, itchy inflamed patches on the skin. As kids still haven’t developed a strong immunity and the skin’s outer barrier is not as solid as adults, newborn eczema becomes usual in infants. The causes of eczema in newborns include genetics, allergies, and environmental factors.
Signs of Eczema in Newborns
The onset of eczema in your newborn begins at the scalp, cheeks or both. From red, scaly, and oozy to red, scaly, itchy rashes in elbows, knees, wrists, buttocks, chin, forehead, legs, ankles, and neck, the newborn eczema symptoms usually come and go in neonates. Let’s study the signs of eczema in newborns:
- Your baby may have patches of dry and itchy skin.
- The affected areas can ooze out liquids and it eventually crusts over.
- Your baby may scratch the affected areas frequently.
- Falling asleep with excessive itchiness can be difficult.
Remedies for Newborn Eczema
Seeing your baby in constant pain and discomfort can be heartbreaking for the parents. Managing eczema in newborns is all about gentle care and the use of suitable products. Here are a few remedies to consider:
- Bamboo Fabric: The soft and breathable bamboo fabric is an excellent choice for babies with eczema-prone skin. This natural, hypoallergenic fabric fights off irritation and alleviates the condition.
- Hydration: Regular moisturization with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion is vital to maintaining soft, smooth, hydrated skin.
- Regular Showers: Give baby baths to your newborn daily in lukewarm water.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil strengthens the skin barrier.
Preventive Measures for Other Newborn Diseases in Winter
While you are now aware of the common cold and eczema, newborn diseases can extend to respiratory issues, diaper rashes, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, hand, foot, and mouth sores, and many other symptoms. Prevent these illnesses in infants by following these tips and tricks:
- Regularly wash hands and sanitize before touching your baby to minimize the risk of infection.
- Don’t skip the recommended baby vaccinations to boost their immunity.
- Dress your baby in organic fabric to keep them warm and comfortable.
- Breastfeed your baby to offer them essential antibodies and protect the neonate from infections.
Parenthood is a rewarding but challenging journey. It’s not an alien fact that newborns often struggle with common newborn illnesses. Identifying the symptoms and working with effective home remedies can ease the burden. Whether it's a cold, eczema, or other newborn diseases, prepare yourself to ensure your baby's well-being with Cocoon Care. Dress up your baby in the softest fabric to let them sleep throughout the night and prevent the risk of newborn eczema. Check the website of Cocoon Care and order soft, whimsical and baby-friendly clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions on Common Newborn Illnesses
Q. How Do You Treat Newborn Illness?
Treating newborn illnesses is all about offering fluids to your infants, using saline drops to clear the baby’s stuffy nose, keeping the baby hydrated, using humidifiers, and practicing good hygiene.
Q. What Illnesses Are Common for Newborns?
Common newborn illnesses are the common cold, influenza, eczema, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
Q. What Are Signs of Illness in Babies?
Signs of infant diseases range from fever, coughing, congestion, fussiness, and cough to changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
