Parents, it’s completely normal to worry about your baby’s health, especially when they are still under 28 days old. As they are so young, it’s good to be vigilant when you see any health worries crop up. However, the best way to ease your mind is to educate yourself on some of the most common health conditions that babies develop at this age.

So, what are some common health worries to look out for, and how should you cope with them?

What are some common health worries to look out for?

Temperatures

If your baby has a temperature, they will have a fever, and their temperature will be about 37.7 degrees C (100 degrees F) or over. However, if you have chosen to take their temperature underneath their arm instead of under the tongue, it will be lower.

A normal temperature is anything between about 36 degrees C (96.8 degrees F) and 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F).

If you don’t have a manual thermometer to put in your baby’s mouth or under their arm, then you can buy a'strip-type' thermometer to hold against their forehead. However, be mindful that these won’t be as accurate.

If you’re looking for a very accurate thermometer, then you can buy a digital one that goes in the ear. Although it may be expensive, if you want reliable, speedy reading, then these are your best bet.

How should I deal with my baby having a temperature?

Remember that if your baby has a temperature, it’s not usually something to worry about. It’s when they have a temperature along with other symptoms that you should think about calling a doctor.

In the meantime, here are some ways you can lower their temperature:

Take their clothes off down to their nappy, keep the room cool, turn down any radiators, and open a window.

Give them baby fever medication. Calpol infant or paracetamol are good options. However, consult your GP about this.

Sponge them down with tepid, but not cold, water. This should be done while your baby is lying on a towel.

Breastfeed or bottle-feed like normal.

Try getting them to drink milk, watered-down juice, and frequently-cooled boiled water.

Having a ‘fit’

If your baby is experiencing jerky, uncontrollable twitching movements, possibly with rolling eyes and a frothing mouth, then they could be having a fit. Although we understand it can be extremely frightening to watch, please remember that fits are barely ever serious and are actually relatively common. They occur a lot in babies with high temperatures.

Here’s what to do if your baby has a fit:

How should I deal with my baby having a ‘fit’?

Lie them down while it is happening.

Make sure they aren’t in danger of rolling off a surface or bashing themselves on anything.

If the fit is going on for more than a minute, or if they haven’t recovered in half an hour, then call an ambulance.

Colds

Colds are extremely common in babies; they can get them eight or more times per year. This is because your baby’s immunity is being built up, and colds allow them to be exposed to different viruses in order to do so.

Here’s what to do if your baby has a cold:

How should I deal with my baby having a cold?

Typically, a cold should subside in five to seven days. Even though there are cold medicines available for children, you shouldn’t need to purchase any, as they should get better naturally. In addition to just waiting it out, here are some other tips:

Increase the amount of fluid your baby drinks.

Put a pillow below the head end of their mattress. This will help them breathe more comfortably and easily.

Do what you can to lower their fever (if they also have one).

Coughs

Coughs are another really common ailment that many young babies will have, and they often go hand-in-hand with colds. A cough is the body’s way of trying to expel a build-up of mucus.

Coughs are usually nothing to worry about, but if they seem to be persisting for more than a couple of weeks, it could be a sign of asthma. In addition, if breathlessness and a temperature accompany the cough, this could signify a chest infection. If your baby starts to appear as if they are having trouble breathing, then call a doctor right away.

How should I deal with my baby having a cough?

Some parents like to buy cough mixtures, but we would consider these to be a waste of money if you could ease their symptoms at home. To do this:

Give your baby clear fluids to drink (cooled, boiled water is best).

Help your baby feed as normal, but do not worry too much if they seem to be protesting this.

Flu

If your baby has the flu, they could have a number of different symptoms. For example, a sore throat, a fever, aches and pains, coughing, a headache, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea They may also cry differently and just seem generally very unwell.

How should I deal with my baby having the flu?

The flu isn’t usually dangerous and can be dealt with easily at home. However, on occasion, it can be for small babies and children. If you’re worried that your baby is developing severe flu symptoms, then call the doctor for advice.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the respiratory passages in the lungs that can be caused by viruses like the respiratory syncytial virus. It will most commonly affect babies between the ages of two and 24 months. Common symptoms can include wheezing, breathing with difficulty, and persistent coughing.

How should I deal with my baby having bronchiolitis?

As one in twenty children that develop this condition will have to be taken to the hospital on account of not being able to breathe properly, you should contact the doctor immediately if your baby shows signs of bronchiolitis.

Croup

Croup is caused by an inflammation of the larynx (the voice box), and it can potentially become serious if it’s not treated. If your baby has croup, they will have a hoarse cough, their breathing will be noisy, and when they breathe, the spaces below their ribcage or between their ribs will be sucked inward.

How should I deal with my baby having a croup?

Although it can become serious, remember that croups are also very common. However, you should take your baby to A&E if you can’t get to your paediatrician quickly enough.

While you’re making arrangements to see a health professional, you can do the following to ease symptoms:

Shut the bathroom door and let the hot tap run so that the room steams up. Sit in there with your baby so they can breathe in the steam.

As cold and damp air can also help, open the window while sitting inside with your baby (if it happens to be cold and damp weather outside).

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is probably one of the most common symptoms a baby can have. However, it’s important to still take it seriously and monitor this symptom. It may at first be difficult to decipher whether your baby has diarrhoea or something different. However, diarrhoea poos are very watery and will be expelled more frequently than is normal for your baby. They might also be foul-smelling and a different colour.

How should I deal with my baby having diarrhoea?

If your baby has diarrhoea, do the following:

Call the doctor if this symptom continues for longer than a 24-hour period. You should call the doctor if they are also vomiting, seem very unwell generally, or are showing signs of dehydration.

Try to keep them hydrated.

Ear infections

If your baby has an ear infection, it could be linked to a cold that they also recently had. Ear infections can be very distressing for babies, as they can’t understand where the source of the pain is located and are likely to cry, scream, and make a huge fuss as a result.

How should I deal with my baby having ear infections?

Although they may be horrible, ear infections are caused by viruses, and 85% of them will easily clear up on their own, while the rest can be treated with antibiotics. If you are concerned or don’t know what to do, contact your doctor for advice.

Eczema

Eczema is an extremely common skin condition that one in eight children will have. It is characterised by patches of dry, red, sore skin on the face, in the creases of the knees, neck, elbows, and behind the ears. Much of the time, it is hereditary or caused by asthma or hay fever.

How should I deal with my baby having eczema?

If your baby is showing signs of eczema, then it’s best to talk to their paediatrician for advice.

Rashes

Many babies get rashes, and they aren’t usually something to be concerned about, as they are often completely harmless.

How should I deal with my baby having a rash?

If you’re worried about your baby having a rash, always contact your doctor for advice and certainty on what is causing it.

What are some common health worries?

On Unii’s Baby’s Health Journey, we look at some common health worries.