All babies have two soft spots or fontanels,
on the top of their head. The fontanels are spaces between the
bones of the skull. As your baby grows, the skull bones grow together,
and the fontanels close. The anterior fontanel is larger and closes
by around 18 months of age. The brain is well protected by a thick
layer of skin over the fontanels.
Hiccoughs
Although distressing to parents, babies often
hiccough due to prematurity. Sometimes hiccoughs are a sign of
stress in the premature baby. As you get to know your baby you
will pick up on his/her cues of stress and will know the difference.
Hiccoughs will go away on their own. They do not bother your baby
as much as they do you.
Umbilical cord "belly button"
When your baby was born, the umbilical cord
was clamped then cut. Usually the plastic clamp is removed if
your baby has an umbilical
catheter inserted when admitted to the NICU. The stump of
the cord will dry and turn black in a few days after birth. Keep
the cord dry by folding the diaper away from the cord. Using alcohol
at each diaper change around the base of the cord will hurry the
drying process along. The cord stump will eventually dry up and
fall off in about 10-20 days. Any redness or drainage around the
cord should be discussed with your baby’s health care provider.
Swollen Breasts
Newborn babies may have a slight swelling
of one or both breasts. They may also have a milky drainage. Do
not attempt to milk the breasts or squeeze the drainage out. Both
symptoms are due to hormonal influences and will go away in time.
Rashes
Because your baby’s skin is delicate,
often-fine pink rashes can develop. Many babies can get a rash
because of spitting up on blankets during sleep, or from the irritation
of sheets. Removing the source of irritation usually solves the
problem. Small red blotches on the eyelids, back of the neck,
and under the nose are birthmarks commonly called "stork
bites" and will eventually fade. Large bluish areas on
the skin of darker skin toned babies are called "Mongolian
spots" and are normal. They also fade as your baby grows.
Sometimes babies that have been treated for jaundice will get
a fine pinpoint rash from the bilirubin
lamp. This also will eventually fade as the baby’s treatment
ends. Bathing your baby in mild soap can help sooth a sensitive
skin.
Thrush
White spots on the inside of your baby’s
mouth, cheeks, or tongue that are not easily removed with a cloth
may be thrush. It is a yeast infection that can cause discomfort
to your baby when he/she eats. Special medicine is needed from
your baby’s health care provider to help clear up thrush.
Mattery Eyes
All babies receive eye treatment at birth
to prevent acquired eye infection. Sometimes this treatment can
irritate the eye and cause secretions. Some babies have a decreased
flow of tears at birth. The tear ducts will open in a few weeks
and the secretions will subside. If you notice a yellow-green
drainage contact your care provider, otherwise just cleanse the
eye area with a clean cloth and warm water.
Vaginal discharge
Some baby girls will have a milky white or
pink-tinged vaginal discharge the first few days after birth.
This is related to hormonal influence and it is normal.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
