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How to Maintain Baby's HealthAs soon as a baby is born, they go through a series of procedures to check their health. Tests and exams are conducted to identify possible illnesses. Allergies may also occur due to an allergic reaction to some fabric or even the soap used to wash their clothes. Because babies are very delicate and have very low immunity, they are vulnerable to all kinds of infections, allergies, and diseases.
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Just like during pregnancy, the first concern about a baby's health focuses on diseases. That’s why some tests are performed, such as the newborn screening test, blood typing, the hearing test and eye test still at the maternity ward. While some diseases can be congenital, such as certain syndromes, there are others that can be contracted by the newborn or baby. Some are rarer and more concerning, like meningitis, while others are more common, such as bronchitis, neonatal jaundice, or lactose intolerance.
Allergies are also common at this stage, since a baby's skin is so sensitive and susceptible to irritation from any microorganism. Red rashes, dry and scaly skin can be signs that some clothing fabric, a chemical agent in hygiene products, or even heat are causing allergic reactions. The best way to prevent allergies is to identify the main cause and avoid its use.
No matter how much cleaning and organization is done, if it is not accompanied by good hygiene, especially of the hands and the items used in the care of the child, it is pointless. Visits are inevitable, so ask that before someone touches or picks up the baby, their hands are properly washed. You can offer hand sanitizer so that people can clean their hands before touching the little one.
People who are sick, sneezing, or coughing should not even go near newborn babies. This way, you avoid passing germs to the newborn who is still extremely vulnerable to any type of virus and bacteria that cause diseases. As soon as the baby is born, they are exposed to all the bacteria and viruses present in the air, which can be acquired through physical contact. The most common are the flu and colds, but babies can also contract more rare diseases such as meningitis, chickenpox, mumps, and other illnesses that are transmitted by contact.
Another factor that can affect babies and newborns are infections, because due to low immunity, a minor inflammation can develop into an infectious illness. The main symptom is fever, and this can appear within the first days of life, as in the case of an umbilical cord not healing properly, which may lead to infection. Infections such as ear and throat infections are also frequent, usually accompanied by fever, and should be treated with antibiotics as advised by a doctor. Typically, fever is a sign that the body is reacting to a foreign bacteria or virus and temperature should be monitored to prevent it from getting too high.
Besides essential hygiene care, preserving the baby's health requires following the recommended vaccinations for this early stage of life, reducing the chances of contracting undesirable viral diseases. Vaccines recommended within the first days of life are hepatitis B and BCG (prevents tuberculosis), with a return for the second dose of hepatitis B at 2 months, along with others such as those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis, pertussis, as well as rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines. The vaccination calendar should be followed and tracked by the pediatrician, whether through the public health system (SUS) or privately; by following the recommendations and having monthly check-ups, the baby's health will be protected.
One of the main signs that something is wrong with the baby's health is expressions of pain. Newborns and babies express this through screaming and crying since they cannot communicate in any other way. It is the parents' responsibility to investigate the causes, with medical help if necessary. Sometimes the pains are the result of physical contact, other times of internal problems, such as constipation due to changes or particular eating habits.
Especially in the first 6 months of life, when feeding should be exclusively breast milk, health problems in babies can arise from the mother's health. It is possible for infections and diseases to be transmitted through breast milk to the baby. That’s why it is crucial that mothers always keep an eye on their own health to prevent potential risks.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/misteral/6575563313/Photo: Miriam
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