Unlike some of your friends, you’ve never been much of a hypochondriac. While you know that finding the odd spot or mole can send some people into a flight of panic, you’ve always been more of the ‘brush it off’ type. “It’s probably nothing,” you’ll think, and move on with your day.

That was until you had your baby girl. An experience that has since turned you into a hyper-vigilant, hyper-aware super parent, determined to make sure that your daughter grows up as healthy and happy as can be. But while you’re proud of how responsible you are in looking after your daughter's health, it has also made you overly fearful about things that perhaps you shouldn’t be.

Parents, we all know how it feels to over-worry about signs and symptoms that your little one may show from time to time. That being said, it’s important to understand that babies will show a lot of symptoms during this time that are actually nothing to worry about. Although they may be a little alarming at first, once you’ve educated yourself on them, you’ll feel a lot better!

So, let’s go through them, shall we?

Erythema Toxicum

Although it may have a scary name, Erythema toxicum is a completely benign rash. It may show up with the appearance of scattered red dots or splotches with yellowish or white centres. You’ll probably find that this rash disappears on its own within a week, and there isn’t any need to visit the doctor for it. However, if you feel worried, you can always give them a call.

Cross-eyed appearance

It's actually very normal for a baby’s eyes to cross until they are around 3 to 4 months old. This is because their eye muscles aren’t yet strong enough to keep their eyes aligned. Although this will usually correct itself on its own, if this symptom seems to be persisting, contact your doctor.

No poop for days

You’ll know by now that a baby pooping a lot is a good sign. It shows their bodily functions are working properly and that they are getting enough food. However, it’s very common for newborns to go up to 7 days without passing stools. As disconcerting as this may seem, just continue feeding your baby regularly, and don’t try to intervene or force the process along. However, if your baby hasn’t yet pooped after day 7, it’s time to let your doctor or health visitor know. On another note, if your baby’s stools appear to be hard at any time, this is also something to ask them about.

Hiccups

It may make you giggle to witness your baby regularly hiccuping, or it may alarm you slightly. Whatever way, try to remember that this is completely normal at this stage of life. Regular hiccuping is caused by a baby’s diaphragm still being quite immature. Try not to worry, and remember that it will soon resolve on its own.

Congestion and sneezing

When your baby finally arrives, a lot of parents forget to factor in that they have been used to living in a water-filled environment for nine whole months. This means that they’ll still have some fluid from the nasal passages to clear out once they’re born. Also, remember that babies have very small nasal passages, so sneezing will help keep them open. For the first few months, babies are unable to breathe through their mouths, so if they have a congested nose, their breathing will often sound noisy. That being said, if you find your baby is producing even more fluid after a few weeks have passed, or if they are sputtering or coughing during feedings, you may need to contact your doctor for help.

Periodic breathing

If your newborn appears to have irregular breathing, we understand that this can be a little scary. However, please rest assured that it’s actually normal for a newborn’s breathing to be a little periodic. Babies will commonly experience episodes where they breathe fast for a few seconds and then return to their natural rhythm. However, if your baby appears to be having laboured or continuous fast breathing, this could be another matter. In this instance, be sure to seek immediate help from a medical professional.

The “Mini Period”

Finding a small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus in your baby girl's nappy can be alarming. However, this is actually a normal occurrence at this age and is due to their mother's oestrogen hormone starting to drop. This problem will resolve on its own. That being said, if your baby girl is producing larger amounts of blood, then you should most definitely contact your doctor for help.

An umbilical cord with an unpleasant smell

The role of an umbilical cord is incredible during the 9 months of pregnancy, but once it’s done its job and falls off your baby, it tends to smell a bit. This is simply because the skin is dead, so don’t be worried about the odour. However, if the area seems to be red, swollen, or sore, then call your midwife or doctor, as the belly button may have become infected.

The umbilical cord has an important role during pregnancy, but when it’s finished and falls off, it may smell a bit. This is usually just the smell of dead skin. However, if the area is red, swollen, or seems to hurt your baby, call the midwife or doctor. Your child may have an infection.

Dry skin

A baby’s skin often looks dry and flaky just after they are born. This is because they’ve been in a wet environment for months, and their body is still adjusting to the change. This is not dangerous, and it can be soothed with healing ointments.

Common symptoms that look serious, but that are nothing to worry about

On our Baby Health Journey, we look at seemingly troubling symptoms that are nothing to worry about.