Common health problems

The large majority of children go through infancy in good health. 

However despite all your care, your child will sometimes become ill. You will want to find a way to make her feel better.

This chapter discusses common health problems among children age 2 years and under. It is not intended to provide information on rarer illnesses or those that affect only a handful of babies.

It gives you

• Tips on preventing some common health problems
• Assistance recognizing signs that help you decide if and when to call a health professional
• Advice on how to care for your baby

In some situations, you’ll need a health professional’s help to identify your child’s problem. Don’t hesitate to consult one (see Consulting health professionals).

• A well-stocked medicine cabinet
• Newborn jaundice
• Thrush in the mouth
• Pimples, redness, and other skin problems
• Eye problems
• Allergies
• Common childhood infections
• Fever
• Fever and skin rashes
• Colds and flu
• Stuffed-up or runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Ear infection
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration