Baby Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thrush?
What is circumcision?
How do I know if my baby has food allergies?
What should I do if my baby has diarrhea?
What should I do if my baby is vomiting?
What should I do if my baby is coughing or sneezing?
What is thrush?
Thrush is a common infection in infants. Thrush appears as a whitish‑gray coating on the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks and gums. This coating is not easily wiped off. Babies may also develop thrush on their diaper area. Most babies do not have any pain or complications with thrush. If you think your baby has thrush, see your health care provider.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is surgery to remove the layer of skin (foreskin) that covers the head of the penis and part of the shaft. The Canadian Pediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision because it is not medically necessary. However, some parents may choose this for religious reasons. There is pain during and after the procedure. Complications from circumcision include bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short or too long, and poor healing. The cost of circumcision is not covered by provincial medical plans.
How do I know if my baby has food allergies?
Signs of food allergies can range from mild to severe. Signs can appear within minutes and often within two hours after eating the food. Signs can also occur hours later, but this is less common.
- Hives, swelling, redness and rash.
- Vomiting ‑ sometimes combined with diarrhea.
If you think a food is causing an allergic reaction in your baby, talk to your baby’s health care provider or call HealthLink BC at 8‑1‑1 to speak to a registered dietitian.
What should I do if my baby has diarrhea?
Diarrhea is often caused by an infection or some other illness or irritation. Diarrhea is different from normal stools. Diarrhea stools are watery and foul smelling. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Babies can become very sick, very quickly.
Most cases of mild diarrhea can be treated at home. Your baby should be taking in enough fluids and nutrients and be peeing normal amounts and seem to be improving. If your baby has signs of dehydration, see your health care provider right away.
Your baby could be dehydrated if he or she has any of these signs:
- decreased urination (fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours after 4‑5 days of age)
- increased thirst
- no tears
- dry skin, mouth and tongue
- faster heart beat
- sunken eyes
- greyish skin
- sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head
- irritable or extremely sleepy and difficult to wake up
Dehydration in babies is very serious. If your baby has any of these signs, call your health care provider or HealthLink BC at 8‑1‑1 right away.
What should I do if my baby is vomiting?
Vomiting involves the forceful throwing up of large amounts of liquid. Vomiting is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It can lead to dehydration. See your health care practitioner if your baby is unable to keep any fluids down or appears dehydrated.
What should I do if my baby is coughing or sneezing?
Babies clear their nasal passages by coughing and sneezing. This is common in newborns and does not mean they have a cold. It is uncommon for a newborn to develop a cold within the first six weeks. If you are concerned, check with your health care provider. You can also call HealthLink BC at 8‑1‑1 for helpful information and advice on when to see a health care provider. Many over‑the‑counter cough and cold medicines are being relabelled to say: “Do not give to children under 6.”
Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or call HealthLink BC at 8‑1‑1 before you give any cough and cold medicines to your baby.
