Welcoming a newborn into your family is an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding your baby’s health. Newborns experience a variety of normal, minor health issues as they adjust to life outside the womb. As a new parent, recognizing these common health concerns and knowing how to manage them can help you feel more confident in caring for your baby. Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, can explain newborn care and how you can identify when your newborn is dealing with an issue. 

Caring for Your Newborn 

There are several types of issues that newborns may deal with and it’s important that you understand these problems and how they can be dealt with. It’s important to talk to your pediatrician in Rockville, MD, about newborn care and what you can do to manage any issues that may arise. 

Jaundice is a condition where a newborn's skin and eyes may turn yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. It’s very common, affecting more than half of newborns, particularly in the first few days after birth. You’ll notice that the skin or the whites of the eyes begin to yellow. It can typically start on your child’s face and move down the body. Mild jaundice will often clear on its own and your pediatrician can help you monitor any changes. 

Diaper rash is a skin irritation caused by prolonged contact with wet or soiled diapers, resulting in red, inflamed skin on your baby’s bottom. Keep your baby’s skin clean and dry by changing diapers frequently. Use a mild diaper cream or ointment with zinc oxide to create a barrier against moisture and allow the skin to air dry between diaper changes and avoid tight-fitting diapers. 

Colic is characterized by excessive crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy baby. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it usually starts around 2-3 weeks of age and often improves by 3-4 months. Use gentle rocking or rhythmic sounds to soothe them and offer a pacifier or try white noise. If colic persists and nothing seems to help, consult your pediatrician to rule out other health concerns. 

Contact Our Pediatrician Today 

Find out how to care for your newborn! Contact Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, to learn more about newborn care and how to deal with issues as they arise. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (301) 517-9710.