Newborn and Baby Health

What is a birthmark? An infantile haemangioma is the most common type of birthmark in babies. They often appear a few weeks after birth and fade over time. They may be a bright red colour. These marks often appear on the scalp and face. They can also show up on...

What is jaundice in babies? Jaundice in babies is common. Signs of jaundice in a baby include yellow skin, yellow eyes, fatigue and trouble feeding. It is usually harmless and it goes away in 1 or 2 weeks. If the jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, or is still...

What is a newborn check? Newborn checks are routine assessments of all infants at 1 to 4 weeks of life, and 6 to 8 weeks of life. They are opportunities to monitor growth and development, and detect any significant abnormalities or illnesses which are not apparent at birth as infants...

What is preterm and low birth weight? Preterm infants are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Low-birth-weight infants are babies weighing under 2500g at birth and may be either born preterm or small for gestational age. Preterm and low-birth-weight infants may have a higher risk of some health issues affecting...

What is tongue-tie? Tongue-tie is a condition which is present at birth. It is when the band which connects the tongue to the base of the mouth is quite thick or short. A baby with tongue-tie may find it hard to breast feed. Your baby may find it hard latching and...

What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia is a lump under the belly button. You might find it after the baby is born or the umbilical cord has fallen off. They are easier to see when the baby cries, strains or coughs. They don't often cause problems and go...

What is an unsettled baby? It is very common for a baby to cry a lot during the first 12 months. This is normal and is usually not serious. Sometimes there is a medical reason for a baby's crying. A baby is unsettled when it cries for no reason, for...