Babies are such fragile human beings. Since they’re still adjusting to life outside the womb and their bodies are still developing fully, they are more sensitive than the rest of us, which also makes them more prone to these common ailments that you should prepare for as a parent:
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Colic
You have a healthy baby that suddenly cries for no reason. As a parent, this could easily get you worried that something serious is wrong with your child. But it can also just be colic, a common ailment in babies that continues to baffle doctors. It’s not a sign of a serious medical condition. However, colic causes a lot of pain and discomfort to a child. When this happens, it’s important to see what triggered the colic and avoid that right away. You can also ask your doctor for advice on what foods to avoid if you’re breastfeeding your baby.
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Diaper rash
Children react differently to the diapers they use, which is why choosing the right diapers involves a lot of trial and error. But diaper rash can also be caused by heat and infrequently changed diapers. This could result in inflamed skin commonly on the baby’s bottom. To keep this from happening, you need to change your baby’s diapers frequently or air-dry now and then. It also helps to have some diaper rash ointment on hand to treat the rashes before they get worse.
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Constipation
Unlike adults, some babies can move their bowels longer, so it’s normal for them to go days without a bowel movement. There are times, however, when a baby gets constipated, especially if he’s just starting to eat solids and his digestive system is still adjusting. Fortunately, you can now buy constipation remedies to help relieve that discomfort and pain and aid the baby’s bowel movement.
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Ear infections
Ear infections can happen out of nowhere, and babies are some of the most vulnerable for them. What’s worse is that when an ear infection is left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage and hearing loss for your baby. Aside from finding ways to prevent ear infections like washing your hands constantly, avoiding second-hand smoke, and breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months of life, it also helps to be vigilant about a possible ear infection, especially with your baby and consult a doctor right away. You should also vaccinate your child with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at the right time to protect him against different types of pneumococcal bacteria that usually cause ear infections.
Since babies can only express their feelings through crying, it’s crucial to watch out for signs that they may be feeling discomfort, pain, or any other ailment so you can address them right away. It also helps to learn all about the common remedies that you can do for these common ailments and to stock up on medications that your baby might need.