Understanding Your Newborn’s Health: Three Common Conditions Every Parent Needs to Know About

When you have a newborn, it’s normal to worry about every squeak or sniffle. Understanding the most common newborn conditions can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here to guide you through the three most common newborn concerns is Nivedita More, MD, a pediatrician with Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, who also discusses this topic in a HealthTalks podcast.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common condition that affects up to 60% of newborns, and it’s even more common in premature babies. One of the main symptoms of jaundice is a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes. Dr. More explained that your baby’s pediatrician will be checking for this condition during the first few well-baby visits.

“We usually schedule early first-week appointment three to five days after the birth because that’s when jaundice peaks, and that’s when it needs to get picked up at the office,” she said. “We really want to be proactive with knowing what the jaundice or the bilirubin levels are in newborns because otherwise it can get into the bloodstream.”

Jaundice happens when the breakdown of blood cells creates too much of a by-product called bilirubin. If those levels get too high, it can result in serious complications for babies.

“The by-product of the breakdown of all the blood cells is called bilirubin. And that is a chemical which can then settle in the brain cells, which can cause a disease called kernicterus, which can cause developmental delays and deafness,” she said. “So, it’s really critical that the parents recognize how important it is to know what the levels are.”

Fortunately, pediatricians can now tell if your baby has jaundice using a tool similar to a forehead thermometer. It can read bilirubin levels through the skin instead of a blood test. If your baby has jaundice, your pediatrician will recommend treatment either at home or in the hospital, depending on the severity.

“The treatment for jaundice, depending on the level, is phototherapy. That’s where the babies are put under special lights and a blanket to reduce the levels, and this warrants rehospitalization,” she said. “But if the levels are below threshold for treatment with the lights, then increasing intake by increasing breastfeeding or supplementing with formula is necessary because the only other way to get rid of the bilirubin is by pooping it out.”

Reflux and feeding issues

In addition to checking for jaundice, your pediatrician will be closely watching your baby’s growth during the first few days and weeks. While it is normal for your baby’s weight to drop a few ounces in the days after birth, they should gain it back very quickly. Any significant drops in weight are a cause for concern.

“Parents need to ensure proper nourishment. Whether it is breast milk or formula, babies need at least eight feeds every 24 hours. I always say, ‘More than eight is great!’ Babies need to eat at least every two to three hours in the first month of their life,” Dr. More explained. “That’s why we have frequent well checks to weigh the baby to make sure they’re getting enough nutrition and not dropping their birth weight dramatically.”

No matter how you choose to feed your baby, it’s crucial that they get enough food. If your baby is not eating enough, reach out to your pediatrician right away. 

“The breast milk comes in on the third to the fifth day, so some of the time we do recommend supplementing with formula if there is a medical need such as weight loss,” Dr. More said.

According to Dr. More, reflux, or spitting up, is also very common, with nearly two out of three babies experiencing some degree of spitting up, especially preemies.

Feeding them in a paced fashion with breastfeeding can help, taking cues from your newborn, Dr. More explained. When they are sucking, continue to feed, and stop feeding when they aren’t sucking. It’s very important for them not to be spitting up, she added.

The good news is that most babies stop spitting up around 4 months of age. In the meantime, to manage reflux, parents can:

• Feed the baby every two to three hours, ensuring that they get at least eight feeds per day.
• Pace feeding by observing the baby’s sucking cues and taking breaks.
• Burp the baby midway through feeds and again 30 minutes after feeding.

Diaper rash

Newborns have very delicate skin, so it’s no surprise that diaper rash is another common concern. Diaper rash may not seem like a big deal, but it still may need medical attention because the treatment varies based on the type of rash, according to Dr. More.

“Any rash in the diaper area that is beyond just mild redness needs to be brought to our attention,” she said. “It could be a bacterial rash, diaper rash; it could be a frequent stooling rash; or it could be a fungal rash or a yeast rash. That’s where we come in and say, OK, you need to use this or that, and this is what you need to do to help prevent this from spreading.”

Dr. More recommends taking precautions to help protect your newborn’s sensitive skin:

• Change diapers frequently, at least every two to three hours.
• Apply a diaper cream with zinc oxide after every poop.
• Use only water-based or sensitive wipes for cleaning.
• Allow the diaper area to air out whenever possible.
• Contact your pediatrician if a rash appears unusual or gets worse.

Other concerns

Dr. More encourages parents to monitor newborns closely for any signs of illness or distress and learn how to recognize symptoms that are normal and those that require attention from the doctor.

“Parents should trust their own instincts with babies. They know their babies best, and if they think something is off, they need to contact their pediatrician,” she said. “It’s not uncommon for us pediatricians to see these parents worry about all these things and more. So, our job is to reassure these parents and share our anticipatory guidance.”

For more advice from Dr. More, check out Newborn Basics: Pediatrician Tips for Caring for Your New Baby, Practical Tips for Dealing With Bedwetting, or Helping Your Child Cope With Anxiety and Depression.

To learn more about newborns, read Snuggling Your Newborn Against Your Skin Not Only Feels Good—It’s Doing Good. To learn more about breastfeeding, read Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.