What Are Common Newborn Issues?

Writer：MAKUKURelease time：2023-02-01

First-time parents can be quite overwhelmed during the baby’s arrival especially when several changes come at hand. Infants are vulnerable right after birth and when they leave the protection of the womb since they now learn to breathe, eat, and do other things throughout this period. Moreover, this is where their main body organs begin to work together. But the only way babies’ can express their emotions or discomfort is by sobbing. In this article, learn more about understanding and managing these changes and know when it’s time to consult your doctor. 

1. Jaundice 

All newborns are checked before leaving the hospital or birth center for jaundice – typically a yellowish pigmentation in the babies’ skin and eyes. It occurs when an infant has high bilirubin levels in their blood during birth as their livers are still immature. This is fairly a common problem among newborns but most cases of jaundice are resolved at most 2 weeks in time.

Call the doctor if your baby starts to look or act sick, not feeding well, is sleepier than usual and other symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks.

2. Vomiting

Vomiting involves forceful abdomen contraction and the stomach contents were forcefully thrown out through the mouth leaving your baby feeling distressed, uncomfortable and crying. 

After feeding, it's normal for babies to spit up but vomiting frequently is not normal and may require medical attention. Make sure your infant is not lactose intolerant or allergic to breast milk to avoid frequent vomiting and spitting up. Additionally, parents must constantly burp an infant after the entire meal to keep them from vomiting. Consult your doctor when your newborn is not gaining the acceptable number of weight or possible condition and treatment if your baby's vomit appears green in color since it might also be caused by digestive problems.

3. Gas Pains 

More than half of newborn suffer with gas pains for the first two months. It is simply air in the stomach or intestine but sometimes can be painful and they tend to fuss and cry after feeding but seems to appear better once the gas passes through. If this continues to be a problem, try these steps to ease the pain: 

Check the feeding position. Always make sure your baby’s head is higher than the stomach when nursing or bottle-feeding. For breastfeeding moms, nursing pillows are godsend for support. 

And if you’re bottle-feeding, try switching to a slower-flow nipple so baby can work on the milk and not drink too quickly. A quick warm bath can also help them get rid of extra gas. Lastly, work it out by gently massaging and pumping baby’s legs back and forth while on their back (like riding a bike) or give their tummy time but make sure to watch them while they lie on their stomach. 

4. Breathing Patterns 

It is important to address the respiratory habits of a newborn baby. You may frequently notice episodes of erratic breathing that include gasps and sighs or briefly stop breathing before taking several quick, deep breaths to make up for it. Parents should pay attention and somehow relax because this naturally occurs until the baby learns to breathe normally. If wheezing, grunting, continuous breathing pauses more than 15 seconds or bluish colour persists, checking with a healthcare professional is a must. 

5. Diarrhea/Constipation

Infants frequently have diarrhea as a side effect from medications or infections. Give your baby an oral saline and water to stay hydrated from diarrhea. Additionally, keep an eye on his feces; if you detect a change in color or texture, schedule a visit with the doctor. And if your baby is straining from passing stool, he or she may be suffering from constipation! Constipation is quite common among babies and newborns, much as diarrhea. Consult your baby's doctor if the constipation lasts longer than three days and causing your little one acute discomfort.

6. Diaper Rash

Too much time spent wearing a damp or soiled diaper might result in diaper rash. Because disposable diapers are so absorbent, parents frequently leave them on for longer lengths of time than necessary. This could irritate baby’s bum and lead to a rash and irritation. Diaper rash can be decreased by changing diapers often, cleaning the diaper region with soap and warm water after each change, and thoroughly drying their bottom before changing to a new diaper.

Did you know that MAKUKU created the first premium MAKUKU Slim diapers containing Vitamin C acid, which provides a hypoallergenic environment for the baby's diaper area while also preventing an external leakage. It also provides a gentle acid surface layer that keeps your baby's skin hydrated, moisturized and protected from rashes and redness. It can also help to neutralize the baby’s skin pH level caused by urine which will leave them feeling refreshed and at ease for the rest of the day! 

Where to buy MAKUKU diapers?

Experience the MAKUKU diapers and avail them at select leading supermarket nationwide: Puregold, SouthStar Drugstore, Watsons, Divimart, Landers, All Day Mart, Metro Gaisano, Shopwise, or Hi-Top Supermarket. Limited discounts and coupons are also available to first-time customers through popular online stores through Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and Edamama. MAKUKU diapers is also available in Comfort series which can be one of best option for first-time parents. The MAKUKU Comfort Tape diaper for newborn has a unique velcro tape design that can be stuck repeatedly and made with a super absorbent core that dries in seconds!

Most often, health related issues with newborns and infants resolve on their own with time as babies get stronger and learn to cope outside the mother’s womb. But first-time parents must be extra cautious and take your baby for regular pedia check-ups   , maintain proper hygiene, and most of all, have a calm and serene mind. At the end of the day, celebrate the arrival and changing phases with your little bundle of joy!