If you're a new parent, the last thing you want is to see your baby in discomfort. Unfortunately, thrush can occur in newborns and cause them distress. Here are some tips on how to spot and treat thrush in your little one.
What is Thrush?
Thrush is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It's common among babies because their immune systems are still developing. The fungus can overgrow in the mouth, causing white patches on the tongue or cheeks. Thrush doesn't usually cause pain but it can be uncomfortable for your baby.
How Can I Tell if My Baby has Thrush?
Here are some signs that your baby may have thrush:
- White patches on their tongue, cheeks, roof of mouth or gums.
- Irritability when feeding
- Refusing breast/bottle feeds.
- Nappy rash
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms chances are it's time to call up Dr.Sneha.
Get Rid Of That Nasty Thing called 'Thrush'
Thrush isn't easy to get rid of once it takes hold so preventing its takeover should be top priority for parents with infants less than 6months old.Here’s what parents need to do:
Proper Hygiene
Maintain proper hygiene and make sure all feeding equipment including pacifiers and bottle teats are thoroughly cleaned(don’t stick em' in boiling water though) every day after use.Also ensure that hands washed often with warm soap water (even more than usual).
Avoid Overfeeding Your Baby With Sugary Foods
Babies don't need candy like adult humans do but they do require significant dietary restrictions since food creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.For instance cut choclate from his diet.Poor lil guy needs those teeth strong not rotten, right?
Treat Yeast or Bacterial Infections in a Timely Manner
Yeast and bacterial infections that affect the mouth can often manifest physically by way of thrush as yeast fungi are already commonly present inside an infant’s oral cavity.Keeping their mouths moist and clean always with paediatric prescribed moisturizing creams will definitely reduce throat infections.
Use Natural Remedies To Help Your Baby Feel More Comfortable
If you’re looking for natural remedies to treat your baby's thrush got some natural methods to try:
Coconut Oil
Apply some coconut oil on your fingertips and put it into baby’s mouth then softly massage over infected areas.This soothes your baby when breast feeding thereby taking care of feeding discomforts from thrush.
Yogurt
Avoid giving your little ones yoghurt until they are at least 10months old although small quantities if protein-rich yogurt contain lactobacillus bacteria(stir well before applying) which aid general gut health, improve babies digestion(most especially for sensitive tummied babes),and rid any protozoans/proto-amphibians hanging around in his intestinal track.
Vinegar Bundle Of Joy(pun pun!)
Dilute apple cider vinegar with warm water (2:1 ratio). Dip a cotton ball in this mixture ad wipe affected parts about once or twice within 48hours.
Wrap Up:
Your newborn can experience its share of physical discomfort owing to various reasons.Thrush though highly preventable is just among many things you as parents might have to struggle with.Trying out these universal tips/tricks will subside symptoms tied toe fungal diseases.Be mindful however since synthetic medication may react differently from child-to-child.Hang in there!