Health & Illness

Newborns are remarkably resilient, yet their immune systems are still finding their feet. This section covers the essentials that keep babies well—vitamin K, early vaccines, routine screens, and recommended supplements—alongside guidance for common issues like jaundice, rashes, and minor infections. You’ll also find clear red-flag signs, dosing basics for pain or fever relief, and advice on when to seek medical help, giving you practical tools to protect your baby’s health with confidence.

• Vaccinations & Vitamin K

  Vitamin K: preventing bleeding

  All newborns receive a single intramuscular dose of vitamin K in the first hours after birth. This replaces the low stores present at delivery and all but eliminates vitamin-K-deficiency bleeding, a rare yet life-threatening disorder.

  Routine immunisations to six months (Australian schedule)

  • At birth — Hepatitis B (first dose).

  • 6-8 weeks — DTPa-IPV-HepB-Hib (6-in-1 combo), 13-valent pneumococcal (PCV13) and oral rotavirus.

  • 4 months — second doses of the 6-in-1, PCV13 and rotavirus.

  • Six months — third 6-in-1 dose and, for medically at-risk infants, an extra PCV13. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all babies from six months each winter season.

    Immunisation clinics record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register so reminders are sent automatically.

  RSV protection: nirsevimab and palivizumab

  Severe respiratory syncytial virus peaks at two–five months. For years, high-risk pre-term infants have received monthly palivizumab, a short-acting antibody. A new long-acting antibody, nirsevimab, can now be given once before the first RSV season to most babies, extending protection to the broader population—so RSV prevention is evolution, not revolution.

  Maternal vaccines and cocooning

  Expectant mothers now receive pertussis (whooping-cough) and influenza boosters in the third trimester, passing high antibody levels to newborns. This passive immunity means classic “cocooning” (vaccinating every visitor) is less critical than a decade ago, though ensuring household members are up to date still adds an extra layer of safety.

  Common questions about safety

  “Why so many vaccines, so soon?”

  The early schedule targets infections that pose the highest risk in the first six months—whooping cough, pneumococcal sepsis, rotavirus gastro-enteritis, and others. Babies’ immune systems are designed to handle thousands of foreign proteins every day; the antigens in today’s vaccines are a tiny fraction of that natural exposure.

  “Can multiple shots overload the immune system?”

  Evidence shows that combination vaccines (e.g., the 6-in-1) allow fewer injections while stimulating robust, independent responses to each component. Antibody levels after combined doses are equal to or higher than those produced by separate shots, with no greater side-effect rate.

  “Are the ingredients safe?”

  Every component—antigens, tiny aluminium salts (to boost response), or trace preservatives—has been studied in large clinical trials. Typical side-effects are mild and short-lived: soreness, low-grade fever, or fussiness that resolve within 24–48 hours. Serious adverse events are rare (≈ 1 per 100 000 doses) and are continuously monitored by AusVaxSafety and equivalent global systems.

  “What about autism or developmental harm?”

  Large population studies involving millions of children on three continents show no link between vaccines and autism, speech delay, SIDS, or chronic illness. The original study suggesting a connection was retracted for misconduct; dozens of follow-up analyses have found no association.

• Infant Supplements

  Vitamin D

  Unlike some countries, Australia does not recommend routine vitamin D drops for all full-term babies. Supplementation is reserved for infants at genuine risk of deficiency:

  • Pre-term or low-birth-weight babies (≤ 32 weeks or < 2 kg) — 400 IU daily until they reach term-corrected age and adequate formula/solid intake.

  • Infants of mothers with proven vitamin D deficiency (e.g., maternal 25-OH D < 30 nmol/L).

  • Babies with disorders affecting fat absorption (cholestasis, cystic fibrosis).

  For healthy term babies—breast- or formula-fed—brief sun exposure (a few minutes to face, arms, hands when UV <3) and a varied maternal diet are considered sufficient in Australian guidelines. Your GP will check maternal levels in pregnancy and advise if drops are needed.

  Iron

  Full-term infants accumulate iron stores during the last trimester that last about four months. Extra oral iron (1 mg/kg/day) is recommended for pre-term or low-birth-weight infants. After four months, introduce iron-rich solids (puréed meat, iron-fortified cereal) to meet rising needs.

  Probiotics

  Daily drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri or Bifidobacterium strains show modest benefits for colic and may reduce eczema risk in high-risk families. They are safe but optional; choose a TGA-listed infant product and discontinue if persistent gas, rash, or altered stools occur.

  Other Supplements

  • Fluoride — not required before six months; plain tap water suffices once solids begin.

  • Vitamin B₁₂ / Iodine — consider if the breastfeeding parent follows a strict vegan diet or has known deficiency; discuss with your GP or dietitian.

• Jaundice

  Physiological vs Problematic

  More than half of term newborns develop physiological jaundice between days 2 and 5 as the liver learns to clear bilirubin (the yellow pigment left after red-blood-cell breakdown). Colour rises from the face downward and usually fades by two weeks without treatment. Jaundice that appears in the first 24 hours, lasts beyond three weeks, or is deepening instead of fading signals a need for review.

  When We Test

  A nurse or doctor will order a transcutaneous scan or tiny heel-prick blood test if:

  • the yellow colour reaches the thighs or soles,

  • baby is <48 h old or >14 days and still jaundiced,

  • there are risk factors—bruising, prematurity, blood-group incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, or poor feeding/weight loss.

  Results are plotted on an age-specific nomogram to decide if treatment is needed.

  Treatment: Light First, Exchange Rare

  Most elevated levels correct with phototherapy: blue light converts bilirubin into a water-soluble form passed in urine. Eye shields protect vision and feeding continues—more milk means more bilirubin leaves the gut. Levels re-checked after lights stop. Severe, rapidly rising bilirubin (rare) may need an exchange transfusion to prevent damage to the baby’s brain, but early monitoring makes this extremely uncommon.

• Umbilical Cord

  Normal cord changes

  The clamped stump dries from yellow-white to brown-black and usually falls off between 7–14 days. A few drops of blood-tinged moisture when it separates are normal. Keep the area dry and uncovered—fold the nappy edge down and wipe only with plain water if soiled.

  Warning signs of infection

  Contact your doctor if you notice persistent redness spreading onto the skin, foul-smelling discharge, or baby develops fever or lethargy. Prompt antibiotics prevent the rare but serious omphalitis.

  Umbilical granuloma

  Occasionally a small, moist, pink nub remains after the stump drops—an umbilical granuloma. It is painless but may ooze clear fluid. First-line home care is the salt treatment:

  1. Dry the area with gauze.

  2. Cover the granuloma with a pinch of ordinary table salt.

  3. Keep it in place for 5 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry.
     Repeat twice daily for up to three days; most granulomas shrink and seal. Persistent lesions may need a quick application of silver-nitrate sticks by your clinician.

• Rashes

  Common newborn rashes

  The vast majority of spots in the first weeks are benign:

  • Erythema toxicum neonatorum looks dramatic—yellow-white pustules on blotchy red bases—but it appears after day 2, moves around the body, and fades within a week without treatment.

  • Milia are tiny white cysts on the nose and cheeks; they clear spontaneously by six weeks.

  • Neonatal acne (maternal hormone effect) shows as red papules on the cheeks at two–six weeks and settles by three months; wash with water only and avoid oils that can clog pores.

  Facial eczema (atopic dermatitis)

  Dry, red, itchy patches that start on the cheeks and scalp between two and four months often signal early atopic eczema. Daily liberal moisturising — apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment head-to-toe at least twice a day—helps repair the skin barrier and can delay flares. If redness persists or oozes, short-course mild topical steroids from your GP or paediatrician reduce inflammation and itching; untreated eczema can disturb sleep and raise infection risk.

  When to seek review

  Check with your clinician if a rash is painful, blistering, weeping, accompanied by fever, or fails to improve with regular moisturiser. Sudden widespread purple spots or rapidly spreading redness warrant urgent assessment.

• Eye Discharge

  Blocked tear duct (most common)

  Up to 20% of newborns have a narrow nasolacrimal duct that traps tears and causes milky or yellow mucus in one eye. The white of the eye remains clear, and baby is otherwise comfortable. Clean with cooled boiled water or a drop of expressed breast-milk (EBM)—its natural antibodies help keep bacteria at bay—then massage: roll a clean finger from the inner corner downward along the side of the nose 4–5 times a day. Most ducts open by 6–12 months without further treatment.

  Bacterial conjunctivitis

  If discharge turns thick, green, and continuous or the eye looks red and swollen, infection is likely. See your clinician for antibiotic drops or ointment; early treatment clears symptoms and limits spread.

  Viral “sticky eye”

  Watery discharge with mild redness often follows a cold. Wipe secretions away and maintain good hand hygiene; antibiotics will not help, but symptoms fade as the virus resolves.

  When to seek urgent review

  • Marked swelling of eyelids or surrounding skin

  • Cloudy cornea, severe redness, or baby keeps eye shut

  • Fever, or copious pus in a newborn under 28 days (rule out gonococcal infection)

  Prompt assessment protects vision and prevents rare complications.

• Minor Illnesses & Panadol

  Common minor ailments

  The first six months bring frequent colds, mild coughs, blocked noses, wind and the odd low-grade fever. Most clear with rest, extra feeds and nasal saline. Watch for hydration: plenty of wet nappies and alertness between naps mean things are on track.

  When paracetamol helps

  Paracetamol (Panadol) eases discomfort from immunisations, mild ear pain, teething or a temperature that makes baby unsettled. It is the only analgesic-antipyretic routinely recommended before six months.

  • Give only if baby is clearly uncomfortable—fever itself is not dangerous.

  • Minimum age — four weeks (earlier only on medical advice).

  • Dose — 15 mg per kg every 6 hours, maximum four doses in 24 hours.

  • Use an infant-specific suspension and the syringe supplied; household teaspoons vary widely.

  Ibuprofen is avoided under six months because of kidney immaturity and dehydration risk.

  Red-flag signs

  Seek prompt review if baby has:

  • Fever ≥ 38 °C under three months, or lasting >24h at any age.

  • Refusal of feeds, <4 wet nappies in 24 h, or persistent vomiting.

  • Laboured breathing, bluish lips, or rash that doesn’t blanch.

  Early assessment rules out sepsis, bronchiolitis or urinary-tract infection—conditions that need more than comfort care.

• Red Flags & When to Seek Help

  Most newborn upsets resolve with feeding, cuddles and time—but the signs below should prompt medical review or, in some cases, a call to 000.

  Breathing & Colour

  • Rapid breathing, grunt with each breath, tugging in at the ribs or collar-bones.

  • Blue, dusky or very pale lips or skin.

  Feeding & Hydration

  • Refusing ≥2 consecutive feeds, or taking <½ usual volume.

  • Fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24h, dark urine, or dry mouth.

  • Repeated, forceful vomiting, especially green (bilious) fluid.

  Behaviour & Tone

  • Excessive sleepiness—difficult to rouse for feeds—or persistent high-pitched cry.

  • Floppiness or, conversely, stiff, jerking movements that cannot be stopped by gentle holding.

  Temperature & Infection

  • Fever ≥38 °C in babies <3 months, or temperature <36 °C and chilly hands/feet.

  • Any rash that is purple or does not blanch (stay white) when pressed.

  Jaundice & Colour of Eyes/Urine

  • Yellow skin/eyes persisting beyond 14 days (term) or 21 days (pre-term).

  • Pale, chalky stools or dark tea-coloured urine—possible liver obstruction.

  Umbilicus & Skin

  • Redness spreading from the cord stump, pus, or foul odour.

  • Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around any skin break.

  What to do next

  • Call 000 for breathing difficulty, blue lips, seizures, or unresponsiveness.

  • For other red flags, visit your nearest emergency department or contact your baby’s doctor promptly. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, seek help—even if a symptom isn’t on this list.