Parenting Guide on Common Illnesses of Infants

Infant illnesses need the doctor's immediate attention and care. Following are the more common illnesses:

COMMON COLD

Although the common cold more frequently remains a cold and nothing more, it may lead to a number of serious diseases. This is why it is important that when Baby develops a cold, you should consult your doctor. The symptoms by which you can tell if your baby has a cold are: sneezing; running or stuffy nose;flushed cheeks; little appetite; may be slight fever and cough. Make sure that Baby's room is well ventilated. Don't force food if cold interferes with the baby's appetite.

CROUP

The symptoms are barking cough, hoarseness and rapid breathing, spasmodic attacks chiefly at night, from 1/2 hour to 2 hours duration. Notify the doctor and while you are waiting for him, get warm, moist air into the child's room. A satisfactory device for doing this is by means of an electric vaporizer. If you don't have this, use a boiling kettle to make steam but put the kettle far enough from the child's crib.

COLIC

This is a condition that is nearly always associated with gas in the gastrointestinal tract. This may be so distressing that the baby will cry hard, clench his fists, draw up his legs and then straighten them out repeatedly. His stomach may be hard, his hands may be cold and clammy.

Burp the baby to release the gas, then put him to bed lying on his stomach with a wrapped hot water bag under his abdomen; or insert a rectal tube in the baby's rectum with the free end of the tubing placed in a bowl of hot water, thus releaving gas. If he doesn't seem to be relieved, call your doctor at once.

Another condition that is similar to colic is some form of indigestion. The baby is restless, cries most of the time and frequently passes gas. If the baby has indigestion and is losing weight or fails to gain weight, get in touch with your doctor.

CONVULSIONS

in convulsion, the baby's eyes roll upward or become fixed and his whole body twitches spasmodically. Convulsions are usually of short duration but may be prolonged. The most common cause is high fever during an infection such as cold or a sore throat.

Call your doctor immediately. In the meantime, sponge the baby, put an icebag at his head and wrapped hot water bag or bottle at his feet. Convulsions that occur without fever are likely due to a more serious condition and should have immediate medical attention and care.