7 Common Baby Health Problems and How to Overcome Them

Healthy - Various baby health problems, such as fever and constipation, can make children fussy and parents panic. However, try not to worry too much because there are initial treatments that can be done to treat various health problems in babies.

As a parent, you are certainly worried and worried when your little one seems fussy or cries non-stop. The reason is, this can be a sign that your little one is sick, especially if it is accompanied by various other symptoms of illness, such as pale looking skin, fever, or even vomiting.

Babies' immune systems, especially those under 1 year old, are not yet fully formed. This is what causes babies to be more susceptible to falling sick.

Various Baby Health Problems that Often Occur

There are several health problems that are quite common in babies and you need to be aware of, including:

1. Acute respiratory infection (ARI)

ARI is an infection of the respiratory tract which is usually accompanied by symptoms such as cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, and fever. This disease is highly contagious, especially in infants and children. Some examples of ARI are influenza, sinusitis, bronchiolitis, and COVID-19.

ARI caused by a viral infection can usually heal on its own without special treatment. However, this condition still needs to be watched out for, because in certain cases, for example COVID-19, ISPA can cause other complications that are dangerous for the baby.

2. Fever

Fever is not a disease, but a sign that the baby's immune system is actively fighting bacterial or viral infections that cause disease. Fever can also be one of the reactions that arise after the baby has been immunized.

Even though it's not always dangerous, a fever in your little one still needs to be watched out for, yes, especially if it's accompanied by several other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, or even having seizures.

3. Diarrhea

The next health problem that often occurs in infants is diarrhea. This digestive disorder can be caused by several things, ranging from viral infections, food allergies, to food poisoning contaminated with germs.

Diarrhea in infants can be identified by the texture of the stool which is runny, darker in color than usual, and smells very pungent. In addition, diarrhea can also cause babies to become dehydrated.

Read More: 7 Common Baby Health Problems and How to Overcome Them

4. Constipation

Constipation in infants can be characterized by flatulence, bowel movements less than 2 times a week, dry and hard feces, and babies who look in pain or even cry during bowel movements.

In general, constipation in infants is caused by excessive consumption of formula milk, lack of intake of body fluids, and the habit of consuming low-fiber solid foods. 

5. Colic

Colic is a condition in which a baby cries for hours and is hard to stop. Although the cause is not known with certainty, colic in infants is thought to occur when the baby feels uncomfortable, for example when hungry, has difficulty digesting food, or is in an environment that is too hot or cold.

6. Insect bites

Not only causing reddish bumps on the skin, mosquito and insect bites also cause itching. Even though the Little One cannot say it directly to Mother, this itchiness can certainly make him feel uncomfortable.

7. Diaper rash

Diaper rash or diaper rash is also a health problem that many babies experience, especially if the diaper is changed rarely or takes too long. When experiencing diaper rash, the baby will appear more fussy because the skin around their thighs, groin or intimate organs can become irritated, itchy, and have bumps.

How to Overcome Health Problems in Babies

The various health problems in babies above can be overcome with simple treatments at home. One way is to give your little one more breast milk to strengthen his body's resistance to disease.

If your little one is able to eat solid food (MPASI), give him healthy food that contains a variety of nutrients, such as vegetables and fruits, eggs, fish, meat, tofu and tempeh, so that he recovers more quickly.

Read More: Don't Panic, This Is How To Deal With High Fever In Children

Mothers can also apply the following steps to deal with common baby health problems:

Take a warm shower

Mothers are advised to bathe your little one in warm water when he has a cough, runny nose and fever, to lower his body temperature and ease his breathing.

A warm bath can also make your little one more relaxed, so it's easier for him to defecate when he has constipation. Warm water can also help relieve pain in the anal area when the baby has diarrhea.

Steam therapy

Mothers can also try steam therapy to relieve breathing when their little one has a cough and runny nose.

Steam therapy can be done by placing a bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of telon oil in a closed room. After that, accompany your little one in that room but for about 15 minutes. Let him inhale the warm steam until he can breathe freely.

When your little one has a cough or runny nose, keep him away from dust or cigarette smoke as much as possible. This is important so that your little one can heal faster.

Using Mosquito Repellent Products

Choose mosquito repellent products that contain the right ingredients and are safe for babies. Mothers can use mosquito repellent telon oil which contains Natural Rhodinol (lemongrass extract) which can protect your little one from mosquito and insect bites.

Massaging the body

You can also massage your little one's body slowly after bathing, especially on the stomach, back, palms and feet, using telon oil which contains eucalyptus oil, coconut oil and olive oil.

The content of eucalyptus oil can warm the baby's body and reduce some of the complaints he experiences. Meanwhile, the content of coconut oil and soft olive oil in telon oil is suitable for use and can moisturize baby's skin.

Even though it is useful as an initial treatment for health problems in babies, Mothers need to be careful when using telon oil. Avoid applying telon oil on your little one's face and don't let it ingest the telon oil.

However, if your little one's condition does not improve even though you have taken the various methods above or if his condition gets worse, you need to immediately take him to the doctor to get proper examination and treatment.