By Emily Taylor
When you have an infant at home, you may need to reconsider how you perceive cleanliness, as well as the common illnesses that plague daily life. While these may not have too much of an effect on your livelihood, even the smallest of colds could potentially have hazardous effects on your baby. By looking at any illness or injury in terms of how it could affect a tiny human with an undeveloped immune system, you will be able to make adequate changes that not only reduce the risk factors should they become unwell, but can also potentially stop them from occurring to begin with.
Pink Eye
Even though pink eye can be uncomfortable in older children, as well as for adults, it can cause further issues in incredibly young babies. This can lead to blindness, or some level of vision loss, if not treated correctly. It is best to get advice on how to treat a pink eye from a reputable provider, as not all over the counter medicines will be suitable for infants. Some of the signs of pink eye can include excessive wateriness in the eyes, watery, yellow, or even greenish discharge from the eyes, and, especially in infants, irritability and attempting to scratch or rub the infected eye.
Stomach Bugs
A stomach bug may either be caused by generic illness, or even something within their food, should your baby already be on solids. While small amounts of vomiting or loose stools may not be a cause for concern, if this goes on for a prolonged period, there is blood present, or your baby shows signs of dehydration, you may need to seek medical attention. It is important that you monitor your infant if they have a stomach bug, in case of any choking on vomit, and keep them, and their clothes, toys, and bedding clean. When you know that a friend has a stomach bug, it is best to keep yourself and your baby away from them until their symptoms have passed, to reduce the likelihood of infection within your home.
Chicken Pox
Another common childhood ailment is chicken pox. While many parents may try to encourage their older children to be around others who have chicken pox, known as a chicken pox party, to try and build their immunity, this can have dire consequences for infants, and is a generally unrecommended practice regardless of age. Babies who contract chicken pox may be more likely to suffer with the illness spreading to the internal organs, especially in the first few days after birth, which can lead to death. Avoiding contact with suspected carriers during the first few weeks or months can greatly benefit the health of your baby.
While it is impossible to completely negate the risk of any illness occurring, there are ways that you can minimise the likelihood, as well as try to speed up the recovery process. It is important that, particularly when dealing with very young babies, medical attention is sought if you are concerned.
About the Author
Emily has been a freelance writer for five years. She is a mother of three and her writing covers all aspects of life, from the professional to the personal, but always is her own signature voice throughout.
