Congratulations on bringing a bouncing baby into the world. You've just gone through the difficult phases of pregnancy; all those weird cravings, mood swings, and yes, the weight factor. But all these are behind you now and you can now concentrate your efforts on your health and that of your baby.
Now, bringing up a new baby isn't as easy as you might think, and by now, those sleepless nights must have put a few things into perspective! For starters, infants are fragile and weak. They need to be handled with care. In addition to this, they also whine a lot. This means that you'll need to connect with your patient side. But on the brighter side, they are cute, adorable, and looking at those sparkling eyes will make you forget that they threw up on you! Whether it's your first child or a second one, there are baby concerns that you need to take note of. These include:

1. Health Concerns

If you gave birth to a healthy child, you have no reason to worry about some serious conditions. The problem, however, is with babies born with congenital anomalies such as congenital heart diseases, spina bifida, Anencephaly, Craniorachischisis, and Gastroschisis to mention but a few. But if you work closely with the best neonatologist, they can help to manage these conditions right after birth.
However, there are issues that you'll need to be aware of lest you become overly concerned about your child's health. Among them is the teething process. This usually begins in their 4th to 6th months after birth. The experts from Kute Keiki address the importance of understanding the teething phase as it can help you to take better care of your child. This is especially the case with the teething symptoms that are very similar to those of other ailments. The common signs and symptoms of teething include:
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There are so many misconceptions associated with teething. For instance, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever will always be associated with teething while in the real sense, they might as well be symptoms of other ailments. To be sure, always take your kid to a qualified pediatrician if you notice any changes in your child's health.

2. Feeding

Most new moms and dads will be on the fence regarding the types of foods to feed their babies. This is normal and every seasoned mom knows it all too well. Under normal circumstances, you should breastfeed your child exclusively for 6 months. Thereafter, you can introduce healthy solid foods. Breastfeeding supplies your baby with crucial elements (a perfect blend of nearly all vitamins, proteins, fats, and antibodies) that boost their immunity. In layman's terms, it's their first immunization. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow healthy. Now, when it comes to introducing solid foods to your child, do it cautiously as not everything that goes will be good for them. There are formulas out there that are specifically designed and formulated for the needs of your child. Below are factors to consider when choosing baby formulas:
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3. The Baby's Soft Spot

This is the spot on the baby's head where bone formation is not complete, also known as the fontanel. This is a major area of concern, especially to new parents. Don't worry, you'll not be touching the baby's brain! It's just a protective membrane, and come to think about it, it was just the other day that your baby's head survived one of the toughest rides coming to earth and no harm was done!

4. The Umbilical Cord

Your baby's umbilical cord is supposed to fall off within the first two weeks of birth. You should, however, get concerned if after the two weeks, the umbilical cord is still showing signs of bleeding or it's swollen. At all times, it's important to keep the cord dry by swabbing it with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol. In addition to this, avoid the temptation of pulling the stump yourself; it's supposed to fall off on its own.

5. Baby Is Not Smiling

Within the very first days, raising an infant will seem like working for a serious boss who never smiles! But don't worry, this is normal and as long as your baby is feeding well, you have no reason to get concerned. They'll give you a perfect smile in their 5th or 6th week so wait for it. It's also okay for your baby to cry because this is how they communicate. But it could also mean that they are in pain and uncomfortable.
The most important thing when raising an infant is to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of ailments. You need to keep checking their temperature, the condition of the skin, and their feeding habits.

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