HEALTH ADVICE – BABIES

SYMPTON

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

COLIC

The sound of a baby suffering from colic is one of the most disturbing for parents. Babies with colic often look as if they are experiencing unbearable pain, drawing their knees up, clenching their fists and screwing up their faces. The cause of colic is still unknown. It is thoughts that the intestines go into spasm due to excess wind, but it could also be as a result of reflux.

The National Childbirth Trust advises that a 1st case of colic should be referred to a GP to ensure it is not a sign of anything more serious. To relieve colic it can help to give babies a warm bath, massage their feet and let them suck a dummy. In addition specialist colic drops or gripe water can be helpful.

ECZEMA

It can be very distressing to see babies and small children suffering from red, itchy, and sore skin – constant scratching can disturb their sleep and upset them.

Parents can be reassured that eczema tends to get better with age – the first year is usually the worst. Keep the skin well moisturised with emollients. Keep babies and small children away from skin irritants, such as clothes washed in non-biological washing powder. It may help to use a mild steroid cream periodically to treat itching – but only under the guidance of a doctor.

FEVER

Crying and a high temperature (over 100 0 F/37.7 0 C) indicates that a baby is suffering from a fever. It is very common, particularly after immunisations or if a child is suffering from a severe cold, flu, sore throat, ear infection, respiratory illness, croup, viral illness or urinary tract infection.

Babies aged over 2 months can be given a Paracetamol suspension to help bring their temperature down, while ibuprofen based preparations are suitable from 3 months. Throughout the fever they should also be given lots of fluids

NAPPY RASH

Caused by soiled nappies being in contact with the skin for too long. Nappy rash makes the skin look red and bumpy and, if a fungal or bacterial infection is allowed to take hold, pus may also appear.

It is best to try to prevent nappy rash by changing nappies often and applying a barrier cream on the skin to protect it. Leaving the nappy off so the skin can breathe can also be a big help. If the rash becomes infected, an antifungal cream can be recommended.