Baby Minor Ailments and How To Manage Them

1. Vomiting

A small amount of vomiting or posseting after feeds is very common in newborn babies. It often looks like more milk than it actually is and is usually nothing to worry about, provided it is not happening frequently or forcefully (projectile vomiting).

If your baby seems happy, feeds eagerly, and is passing plenty of urine — at least 6–8 wet nappies in 24 hours during the first six weeks — there is generally no cause for concern.

Babies sometimes feed for comfort as well as hunger, so it is easy to overfeed them. If your baby still wants to suck after a feed, try soothing them with a dummy rather than offering more milk.

2. Diarrhoea

Babies may occasionally have a few runny stools, sometimes due to something mom has eaten if breastfeeding. In most cases, this settles on its own.

Monitor how often the diarrhoea occurs and how much fluid is being lost. As long as baby remains alert, drinks well, and continues passing plenty of clear urine, there is usually no need to worry. Offering more frequent feeds can help replace lost fluids.

You can also use rehydration fluids or a homemade sugar-salt solution if recommended by your healthcare provider. Products such as Diarocare, Tasectan, or Natura Danon Natural may also help.

The most serious situation is when vomiting and diarrhoea occur together.

If your baby becomes sleepy, floppy, refuses feeds, or passes very little urine, these may be signs of dehydration. Babies can dehydrate very quickly because of their small body size. In this situation, baby should be taken directly to a hospital emergency department rather than a clinic, as intravenous fluids may be needed urgently.

3. Reflux

Reflux occurs when milk flows back up into the oesophagus because the valve at the top of the stomach is still immature and relaxed.

Frequent posseting or small vomits may also happen when babies take too much milk at one time. Offering smaller, more frequent feeds may help. Holding baby upright after feeds and using a dummy for comfort can also reduce symptoms.

If reflux continues or becomes severe, it is important to see a doctor, as treatment may be needed.

4. Colic

Colic is caused by stomach cramps and trapped gas in the tummy. During the first few weeks, a baby’s digestive system is still immature and some babies struggle to digest lactose efficiently.

Mom’s diet can sometimes play a role in worsening colic during the first six weeks. It may help to avoid:

• Fizzy drinks such as cola 
• Excess coffee 
• Chocolate 
• Spicy foods and curry 
• Windy vegetables 

Helpful measures include:

• Holding baby upright after feeds 
• Applying gentle pressure to the tummy 
• Skin-to-skin cuddles 
• Offering a dummy for comfort 

Colic remedies such as Gripe water, Telament, or Bonnisan may help ease discomfort. A probiotic can also be beneficial for some babies.

5. Constipation

Breastfed babies rarely become constipated.

A baby receiving formula or mixed feeding should usually pass at least one stool per day. If your baby strains and passes hard stools, products such as Lacson or Natura Kronolax may help.

7. Rashes

During the first few weeks, babies still have many of mom’s hormones in their system. This can cause pimples or baby acne on the face and body. These rashes are common and usually clear on their own by around four weeks of age.

8. Nappy Rash

There are two common types of nappy rash:

1. Irritation Rash
   This causes redness around the bottom and may occur due to diarrhoea or increased acidity, sometimes related to mom eating certain fruits while breastfeeding.
   A good barrier cream such as Sudocrem or Bepanthen is usually effective.
2. Fungal Rash
   Fungal rashes are common in the nappy area and neck folds. The rash often appears bumpy with small red spots around the edges.
   These rashes require an antifungal cream, available from pharmacies. Babies R Us  stocks Dr Sooks bum cream, which contains natural tea tree oil. This cream has antifungal and antibacterial properties which makes it very effective in healing most rashes.

9. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush looks like milk coating the tongue, but unlike milk residue, it does not wipe away easily and may spread into white patches on the gums and inside the mouth.
An oral antifungal gel such as Nystacid, available at pharmacies, is commonly used for treatment.

10. Blocked Nose

Babies have very small nasal passages, so congestion can sound much worse than it is — especially at night when babies may make grunting or snuffling noises.

Helpful measures include:

• Slightly elevating baby’s head with a baby wedge or pillow 
• Using saline nose spray suitable from birth
• Applying Baby Vicks on the chest from 3 months onward 

Products such as Sterimar saline spray, Natura Cataro, or Natura Starlight may also help ease congestion and cold symptoms. These tissue salts can even be used during pregnancy. For infants, they should be dissolved in a small amount of water before use.

10. Pain and Fever

Young babies do not commonly develop fevers because they are usually not exposed to many germs and still benefit from mom’s antibodies, especially if breastfeeding.
Sometimes a raised temperature is simply caused by overdressing. Removing a layer of clothing or giving baby a lukewarm bath may help bring the temperature down.

A mild fever that comes and goes for a day or two is often related to a minor viral infection and may settle on its own. It is helpful to have a thermometer and Panado syrup at home.
If baby’s temperature rises above 38°C, Panado can be given according to the recommended dosage for age and weight.

Sometimes, after a fever settles, a runny nose or rash may appear. This is often a sign of a viral infection, which usually does not require antibiotics.

However, if:

• The fever lasts longer than two days and Panado is needed regularly or every four hours.
• Baby develops breathing difficulties.
• Feeding becomes poor.
• Baby seems unusually sleepy or unwell. 

then your child should be seen by a clinic nurse or doctor, as a bacterial infection such as an ear, throat, sinus, or chest infection may be present and an antibiotic may be required.

Although these minor ailments are usually mild and temporary, they can still feel overwhelming for new parents. Trust your instincts — you know your baby best.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if your baby develops fever, breathing difficulties, poor feeding, dehydration, or unusual sleepiness.
With reassurance, patience, and early attention when needed, most newborn minor ailments settle quickly, allowing both baby and parents to feel more comfortable and confident during those precious early weeks.