Children, especially babies, are more delicate and have much weaker natural immunity than adults. Although in the womb, they are exposed to a certain degree of natural immunogens through their mother’s blood, they are largely protected by the mother’s placenta. Once out in the real world, the exposure to toxins and allergens as well as potential illnesses increases by a huge amount.

Breastfeeding also provides a large amount of protection to the young developing immune system. Mother’s breast milk contains many naturally occurring antigens which can be absorbed into the baby’s system and give the baby added protection as it grows and develops. Because the mother’s immune system has already dealt with these harmful substances, when they are passed through to the baby they are in the harmless, neutralized form and all the baby needs to do is to produce its own little baby antibodies against them. It is a sort of natural immunization.

But, we all know that babies crawl and pick up everything in site and put absolutely everything into their mouths. This is actually good for them as it is allowing for more exposure to the germs and this gives a baby’s immune system more chance to grow and become stronger. Later in life, they will benefit from this constant oral exploration.

Despite all these protection, babies are still incredibly delicate and must be protected from the usual types of illness which they can encounter through physical contact with others, through contact with contaminated clothing, or by being exposed to air-borne germs and viruses.

The most common types of baby illness are as follows:

1. Coughs and Colds: Some babies have a continually runny nose, so it might be difficult to detect when they have developed a cold. Colds can be caught by babies quite easily if other siblings or parents have them already. If a baby does catch a cold it can be distressing for them since they will not feel comfortable and may cry. They may also have a cough. There is very little to do in this case except keep wiping their nose and keep an eye on them. If the runny nose starts to become yellowish, or green, then it may be time to consult your pediatrician, or if the cough starts to become a hacking, wheezing cough.

2. Influenza, or simply ‘the flu’ is similar to a cold, except that it will be accompanied by a fever. Even through quite a high temperature, babies and toddlers do play and wander around quite happily unless the other symptoms are especially bad. It is extremely important to keep an eye on the temperature and keep it under control by giving baby medicines containing paracetamol. If the fever persists for more than a few days then it is advisable to seek medical advice.

3. Chicken Pox – chicken pox is highly contagious. It is infectious from two days before the first symptoms appear and for up to five days afterwards. It is passed on through saliva and sneezes. Chicken pox is better to be caught when the child is younger because it can be very mild. In adults it can be incredibly virulent and the symptoms of a very itchy red rash can be very troublesome. The good news is, if you have had chicken pox, it is very rare that you catch it again.

“When we found out I was pregnant, we were thrilled and just couldn’t wait for it to happen soon enough. We laughed at everyone asking if we were ready for the night feeds – we thought we’d cope quite happily. Our daughter’s now five months old, and the thought of those night feeds isn’t so funny any more. It seems as if everything is about getting her off to sleep and catching up on sleep ourselves.”

“I don’t think it’s getting the baby off to sleep that’s hard to do, it’s getting enough sleep ourselves. It’s even worse with two children. You get one off to sleep and then the baby will wake for a feed. You just feel you’re acting like a robot – baby crying, get up, settle the baby, snatch 40 winks, baby crying, get up, and on, and on, and on.”

If you’re already a parent, you’ll recognise how these parents feel. A baby’s sleep patterns are totally unlikely to fit in with ours. We adults need our sleep and sleep deprivation can be very debilitating for even the strongest among us. Without it, we can be at least grumpy and grouchy. At worst, it can leave us questioning our ability to cope with normal, everyday things. Even concentrating long enough to have a simple conversation with a friend can seem like a mammoth task. And even if, were you to sit down and add up the figures, you found that you were getting seven or eight hours’ sleep in total, it’s the interruptions to the sleep that actually cause the problem.

Stress and emotional effects
A baby crying at night also causes stress. If this is your first baby, you are guaranteed to be doubly anxious about your baby’s every whimper. So no wonder being woken by crying causes your heart to beat quicker, and your breath to shorten. At worst, this stress can cause physical ailments, such as constant headaches and ulcers.

A constant lack of sleep can send your emotions up the wall too. You might feel down and irritable, angry because you feel you’re not coping, or even angry at the baby for keeping you awake. Remember, these are all normal emotions that you are quite entitled to feel. But don’t take your anger out on your baby. She’s an innocent who isn’t aware of the effect her crying has on you, except that it brings you to her. Accept that parenting is a difficult and demanding job for every parent, and thankfully, there are a great many things you can do to help you feel better and to keep the effects of stress at bay.

- Eat a healthy diet, one that is full of fibre and protein-rich foods to give you the energy to cope. Even if you are too tired to cook a five-course meal, there are lots of quick, snack-type foods that will fit the bill, for example, baked beans, baked potatoes, pasta, fruit and vegetables, and wholegrain breakfast cereals. Remember to drink plenty of water and fruit juice too, especially if you’re breastfeeding baby.

- Don’t expect too much of yourself. Ask for help, and accept help when it’s offered.

- Exercise a little, each day if you can. Although you may be exhausted, keeping your body in shape will help you cope with the physical demands of looking after a baby. Even going for a brisk walk with the pram or running up the stairs, which you’re probably climbing many times a day anyway, will serve the purpose.

- Remember you have needs too. Make some time for yourself, even if it’s only half an hour relaxing in the bath or reading.
- Keep smiling and try to laugh about the situation because it will get better in time!

Your relationship

Interrupted sleep caused by a crying baby can make for strained relationships between couples. When they’re feeling worn out through lack of sleep and the pressures of caring for a baby, it’s normal for couples to blame each other when the baby cries, or to argue about whose turn it is to get up to see to the baby.

It’s normal too for mums to feel resentful towards their partner because, although parent roles may have changed in recent years, mum is normally the one to bear the greatest burden of the baby’s care. To help couples through the tiring times, mums need to make sure right from the start that dad feels included, and is an important person in caring for baby. Making sure he takes an active role will not only help to share the burden but is also very important in helping him to forge his own special relationship with the baby.

- Never blame each other. Care for your baby as a unit, sharing all the responsibilities and household chores as much as possible.

- However close you were before the birth, don’t expect your partner to be able to read your mind. Let each other know if there is a problem and share your feelings.

- Make time for each other and talk about your day. Go to bed together, early if you can.

- Whenever possible, take in it turns to mind the baby during the day so that you can both have opportunities to catch up on your sleep.

Most importantly, try to maintain your sense of humour! Your baby’s sleep patterns should become more predictable as the months go by, so things will improve.

The decision to breast-feed or bottle-feed is an important, personal one. Medical research indicates many advantages to breast-feeding, but no woman should feel pressured into making the choice. No one should make you feel guilty for formula feeding your child, or uncomfortable about breast-feeding your infant. A mom who is anxious with one method, but relaxed with another is better off choosing what makes her more comfortable. However important a role nutrition plays in a baby’s life, parental love, attention and interaction are ultimately more critical components for the baby’s well being. The baby will benefit from the calmer environment and the bonding between parent and child will be more firmly established.

Breastfeeding should be a pleasurable time for both baby and parent. Breastfeeding for the first time can be very anxiety-producing for some women. Is he getting enough? Is she crying and gassy because of something I ate? The responsibility of being the sole source of nutrition for this tiny being can be a heavy burden. Other moms who have breast-fed their babies can be a wonderful resource to help with questions and tips. Your health care provider might have a list of new mom groups in your area, or there might be a notice up on the bulletin board at the grocery store.

Breast milk is more easily digestible, so breast-fed babies tend to feed more frequently and more erratically in the beginning than formula-fed infants. To make sure the baby is well hydrated, and to assist in the establishment of breast-feeding, try to nurse at least every two hours during the day and every three hours at night. Certainly, if she wants to be fed more often, go ahead.

Formula-fed babies might go up to three hours between feedings. At this early age, their stomachs are small, so don’t expect them to take much more than 2 to 2-1/2 ounces per feeding. If you are bottle feeding with either formula or pumped breast milk, aim for an ounce an hour. If the baby takes 2 ounces, he’s fine for about two hours. If she only takes half an ounce, try feeding her again in an hour.

How do I know if she’s getting enough?

The best gauge for determining if your baby is feeding enough is by counting the number of wet diapers. Six to eight wet diapers in a 24 hour period of pale yellow or clear urine means the baby is well hydrated. Disposable diapers are designed to pull liquid away from the baby’s bottom, so check at the outside, next to the plastic for wetness. An unused diaper will have a dry, rough feel to it, whereas a wet one will have a soft, spongy, gelatinous feel. Orange spots on the diaper indicate the presence of uric acid crystals, a sign of dehydration. If you suspect dehydration is a problem, try to increase your baby’s fluid intake, and call your pediatrician.