What is normal? When to hit the panic button?

The best advice is to hit the panic button whenever you feel essential. You are the best judge when it comes to your baby.

Trust your instinct.

But to help your instincts, let us discuss some common newborn concerns and what is expected from you as a parent.

Newborn Jaundice

An illness for adults, jaundice is considered normal when mild in newborns. Simply explained, jaundice is the yellow tint to the baby's skin and eyes. It is caused by a substance called bilirubin which forms normally as blood cells break down.

Because your baby's liver is still immature, it is not able to handle the bilirubin for a few days. This is called physiological jaundice and appears around the second or third day and usually disappears by day 14.

It is important that the baby is examined by a paediatrician to rule out the more serious types of jaundice. The doctor may suggest the use of Bili-lights, which has to be done in a hospital. The procedure is non-invasive and it is merely exposing the skin of a newborn to special lights.

At home you can expose the new born to indirect morning sunlight and ensure that you breastfeed frequently - every hour and a half.

Bowel Movements

The baby's first bowel movements are green-black in colour and sticky. As breastfeeding is established, the colour changes to a golden yellow and the stools become watery.

In the first few weeks, if the baby is exclusively breastfed, it is normal for your baby to pass motions with every urine and / or feed. This does not signify diarrhoea. It is also normal for an exclusively breastfed baby to not pass motions for a few days. As long as the baby is feeding well and is comfortable there is no cause for concern.

Diaper Rash

Reddish, inflamed skin in the genital region signifies a diaper rash. This can be a result of a number of things, not necessarily the use of a disposable diaper. Many substances can irritate your baby's tender skin including urine, stool, laundry products, inadequate nappy washing or the chemicals used in some disposable diapers.

Change the baby's nappy whenever soiled and keep the area clean and dry. Avoid the use of powder on your baby's bottom.

Spitting Up

Many babies spit up milk during or after a feeding. It is generally not a cause for concern. It also does not mean that the baby has thrown up all that she has fed. Ensure that you burp your baby well, do not overfeed and handle her gently. The spitting up problem will subside when the baby is able to sit upright.