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Common health issues for newborns

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Mom looking down at baby on changing table

In this article, you will find answers to these questions: 

  1. What are signs you should call your pediatrician?

  2. What are common health issues for newborns?

  3. How do you take your newborn’s temperature? 

Even the healthiest babies will get sick. As a new parent, it can be stressful. Make sure to always have your pediatrician’s number handy and share that number with anyone who is watching your newborn.

1. What are signs you should call your pediatrician? 

• A baby less than 2 months old has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher 

• There’s no poop. Just wet diapers 

• Fewer than four wet diapers in a day 

• Yellowish skin 

• Diarrhea 

• No appetite

2. What are common health issues for newborns? 

COLDS - A stuffy nose can make it hard for your child to breathe. To help clear the nasal passages, put a few saline drops in your baby’s nose. Wait a minute and then gently suction the mucus out with a bulb. A cool-mist humidifier also can help. 

GAS - If your baby is crying and pulling out his/her legs, it could be gas. Softly rub your baby's belly or slowly bring knees to chest. Remember to burp after feeding.  

VOMITING - All babies spit up, but vomiting is more forceful. Call the doctor right away if the vomiting lasts more than a day or your baby vomits more than two times. Watch to see if your baby has diarrhea, a swollen belly or seems in pain. Remember, it never hurts to call the doctor. 

FEVER - A fever means your child is fighting illness or infection. Use a rectal thermometer to take a newborn’s temperature.

3. How do you take your newborn’s temperature? 

  • Use a rectal thermometer. 

  • Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Rinse off. 

  • Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on it. 

  • Lay your child belly-down across your lap. Place palm against lower back. 

  •  Turn on the thermometer and insert only ½ inch-1 inch. Do not insert too far. 

  • Hold thermometer in place until it beeps. 

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