COMMON PROBLEMS
DIAPER RASH Most babies, at some time or another, will probably get a rash on their bottoms (diaper rash). To prevent diaper rash, keep the diaper area clean and dry by changing the diaper every time it is wet or soiled. If your baby has diarrhea or is on antibiotics, the possibility of developing a diaper rash is increased. Use protective cream such as petroleum jelly, A&D ointment, Desitin, or zinc oxide to help prevent or treat the diaper rash. To treat diaper rash, expose your baby’s skin rash to air as often and for as long as possible.
If you are using cloth diapers:
■ Remove plastic pants during the day as often and for as long as possible.
■ If a strong ammonia smell is present, treat the diapers with a solution of bleach. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
■ Try washing diapers with a different soap and rinse carefully
If you are using disposable diapers or wipes:
■ Try changing to a different brand.
CONSTIPATION Your baby might become constipated, especially if he’s being fed formula. If your baby is constipated, his stool will appear hard and formed or pellet-like. If constipation persists, notify your baby’s doctor.
DIARRHEA If your baby’s stool is watery, green, foul-smelling, or contains mucus, notify your baby’s doctor. Babies can dehydrate very rapidly.
FEVER Call your baby’s doctor if your baby’s temperature is higher or lower than the following normal ranges. You only need to take your baby’s temperature when you think he is ill.
Where to take the temperature
For children less than 3 months (90 days) old, take an armpit (axillary) temperature. It’s a safe method that is adequate for screening.
Normal temperature range Armpit (axillary) temperature from 97.7ºF (36.5ºC) and 99.5ºF (37.5ºC).
How to take armpit (axillary) temperatures
■ Make sure your baby’s armpit is dry.
■ Put the tip of the thermometer in your baby’s armpit, directly against her skin (skin should completely surround the tip of the thermometer).
■ Close your baby’s armpit by holding her elbow against her chest.
■ Follow the directions on your thermometer to determine how long you should hold the thermometer in place before reading it.
CHOKING ON MUCUS OR MILK If your baby begins to choke on mucus or milk, turn him on his side with his head slightly lower than his body. If necessary, gently assist him in clearing any visible fluid from his mouth or nose with a cloth or your fingers. If this method doesn’t work, you may need to use a bulb syringe. See the instructions on the following page.
USING A BULB SYRINGE If repositioning your baby or wiping your baby’s mouth or nose doesn’t relieve congestion, you may need to try using a bulb syringe.
Here’s how:
■ In the mouth: Turn your baby on her side with her head slightly lower than her body. Press in the bulb before placing it in the baby’s mouth. As you suction out the mucus or milk, be careful not to catch the delicate mucous membranes inside the cheeks or the back of the throat. Remove the bulb, and squirt the contents into a cloth.
■ In the nose: Suction mucus from the nostrils in a similar way, inserting only the tip of the bulb syringe. Be extremely careful when you do this. Suctioning the mouth or nose too vigorously, too often, or for too long can dry and irritate delicate tissues and cause severe trauma to the mouth or nose.
DIAPER RASH Most babies, at some time or another, will probably get a rash on their bottoms (diaper rash). To prevent diaper rash, keep the diaper area clean and dry by changing the diaper every time it is wet or soiled. If your baby has diarrhea or is on antibiotics, the possibility of developing a diaper rash is increased. Use protective cream such as petroleum jelly, A&D ointment, Desitin, or zinc oxide to help prevent or treat the diaper rash. To treat diaper rash, expose your baby’s skin rash to air as often and for as long as possible.
If you are using cloth diapers:
■ Remove plastic pants during the day as often and for as long as possible.
■ If a strong ammonia smell is present, treat the diapers with a solution of bleach. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
■ Try washing diapers with a different soap and rinse carefully
If you are using disposable diapers or wipes:
■ Try changing to a different brand.
CONSTIPATION Your baby might become constipated, especially if he’s being fed formula. If your baby is constipated, his stool will appear hard and formed or pellet-like. If constipation persists, notify your baby’s doctor.
DIARRHEA If your baby’s stool is watery, green, foul-smelling, or contains mucus, notify your baby’s doctor. Babies can dehydrate very rapidly.
FEVER Call your baby’s doctor if your baby’s temperature is higher or lower than the following normal ranges. You only need to take your baby’s temperature when you think he is ill.
Where to take the temperature
For children less than 3 months (90 days) old, take an armpit (axillary) temperature. It’s a safe method that is adequate for screening.
Normal temperature range Armpit (axillary) temperature from 97.7ºF (36.5ºC) and 99.5ºF (37.5ºC).
How to take armpit (axillary) temperatures
■ Make sure your baby’s armpit is dry.
■ Put the tip of the thermometer in your baby’s armpit, directly against her skin (skin should completely surround the tip of the thermometer).
■ Close your baby’s armpit by holding her elbow against her chest.
■ Follow the directions on your thermometer to determine how long you should hold the thermometer in place before reading it.
CHOKING ON MUCUS OR MILK If your baby begins to choke on mucus or milk, turn him on his side with his head slightly lower than his body. If necessary, gently assist him in clearing any visible fluid from his mouth or nose with a cloth or your fingers. If this method doesn’t work, you may need to use a bulb syringe. See the instructions on the following page.
USING A BULB SYRINGE If repositioning your baby or wiping your baby’s mouth or nose doesn’t relieve congestion, you may need to try using a bulb syringe.
Here’s how:
■ In the mouth: Turn your baby on her side with her head slightly lower than her body. Press in the bulb before placing it in the baby’s mouth. As you suction out the mucus or milk, be careful not to catch the delicate mucous membranes inside the cheeks or the back of the throat. Remove the bulb, and squirt the contents into a cloth.
■ In the nose: Suction mucus from the nostrils in a similar way, inserting only the tip of the bulb syringe. Be extremely careful when you do this. Suctioning the mouth or nose too vigorously, too often, or for too long can dry and irritate delicate tissues and cause severe trauma to the mouth or nose.
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