Parenting is far most a difficult task and a mystery as well. It is also an art that you need to learn step by step and not a job that you will be able to master it in a day. As new parents and as you welcome that miraculous newborn into your household, it is natural for you to struggle to find tune to your new role. So worry not, instead seek for help and advice from your relatives and friends who have had this so called ‘parenting experience’.
Of all the many things you need to be trained as new parents, finding out your our newborn’s wellbeing is one of the toughest tasks. Below are some helpful tips to help you know your little one is ill as well as some general guidelines for when to seek medical help:
Crying: Babies cry when they are hungry, sleepy, wet, etc. Crying in infancy is quite normal, but the sound of a sick baby is different from her usual cries indicating that something is wrong with her. According to health experts, this abnormal, a high-pitched, complaining or whimpering cry is also a sign of meningitis. If the crying does sound distinct to you, seek medical help immediately.
Refusing food: If your baby eats poorly or not eating and is refusing several feedings in a row, contact the doctor.
Tender navel or penis care: If your baby’s tender umbilical area or penis swiftly turns red or starts to bleed, call up the doctor.
Cold: You should seek medical help if your infant has cold that lasts longer than two weeks accompanied by severe coughing or hinders with his/her breathing.
Fever: Although mild fevers are common for the infants, you should keep an eye on the thermometer. For babies younger than 3 months of age, consult the doctor for any fever. If your baby is between 3-6 months of age and has a temperature of up to 102 F and appears to be unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable, contact the doctor.
Diarrhoea: Immediately contact the doctor if there is blood in the stools or the baby has more than six watery or loose stools a day.
Vomiting: Occasional spitting in infancy is normal, but if your baby vomits for more than 12 hours, also has fever or diarrhoea, then contact the doctor immediately.
Difficulty breathing: You should consult the doctor immediately if can sense your baby is having trouble breathing. Signs and symptoms of difficulty breathing include:-
– Your baby is breathing so fast than the usual form.
– A bluish tinge is developed on your baby’s lips or skin.
– When your baby inhales, the tissue between the ribs, above the collar bones, or in the upper abdomen is sucked in.
– Your baby will grunt while exhaling.
Dehydration: Call up the doctor if your baby’s diaper does not get wet in six hours or longer, the fontanel (the soft spot on the top of the baby head) appears to sink, or shed no tears while crying or has a dry mouth.
Rashes: Do not ignore those rashes. Take your baby to the doctor if the rash covers a large area or is accompanied by a fever, sore throat or diarrhoea.
Follow these tips to ensure that your newborn is happy and is being well taken care while you discover the joys of parenting. Happy Parenting!
