Newborn Body: Common Concerns and What's Normal

How Should I Care for My Baby's Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord stump typically falls off within 1-3 weeks. Keep it clean with plain water, keep it dry, and let it fall off naturally. Small amounts of bleeding and clear discharge are normal. Seek care if the area becomes very red, swollen, foul-smelling, or if your baby develops a fever.

The umbilical cord remnant that remains attached to your newborn's belly button after birth will dry out and fall off on its own, usually within one to three weeks. This is a natural healing process that requires minimal intervention from parents. Understanding proper cord care helps prevent infection while allowing the natural separation to occur.

Modern guidelines from the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a "dry cord care" approach in developed countries with low infection rates. This means keeping the cord clean and dry without using alcohol or antiseptic solutions, which older recommendations previously suggested. Studies have shown that dry cord care leads to faster healing and lower infection rates in low-risk newborns.

During the healing process, you may notice some changes that can seem concerning but are actually completely normal. The cord stump will change color as it dries – going from yellowish-green to brown and eventually black before falling off. A small amount of clear or slightly yellow discharge and minor bleeding (like a scraped knee) when the stump separates is expected and not cause for alarm.

Cleaning the Umbilical Cord Area

To keep your baby's umbilical cord area clean, gently wipe around the base of the stump with a cotton swab or soft cloth dampened with clean water during diaper changes or after baths. Allow the area to air dry completely – you can gently fan the area or simply wait a few moments before dressing your baby. Fold the front of the diaper down below the cord stump to prevent moisture and friction, which helps the healing process.

Bath time during this period should consist of sponge baths rather than immersing your baby in water. This keeps the cord stump dry and promotes faster healing. Once the stump falls off and the area has healed completely (usually a few days after separation), you can begin giving your baby regular tub baths.

Umbilical Granuloma

Sometimes after the cord falls off, you may notice a small, moist, pink or red lump of tissue in the belly button. This is called an umbilical granuloma. It's made of scar tissue and is not harmful, but it may not heal on its own. An umbilical granuloma doesn't usually cause pain, but it may produce a small amount of discharge. If you notice this, contact your healthcare provider, as treatment with silver nitrate or other methods may be needed to help it heal.

What Changes Are Normal in My Baby's Poop and Pee?

In the first few days, your baby's urine may appear orange or pink, and the first stools are black and sticky (meconium). Breastfed babies typically have frequent, loose yellow stools that may decrease in frequency after a few weeks. Formula-fed babies often have slightly firmer, tan-colored stools. By day 4-5, expect at least 6 wet diapers daily.

Your newborn's elimination patterns can be a source of significant worry for new parents, but understanding the typical progression helps distinguish normal from concerning changes. The appearance and frequency of both urine and stool change dramatically over the first weeks of life, reflecting your baby's developing digestive system and hydration status.

During the first day or two, it's completely normal for your baby's urine to appear reddish-orange or pink. This is caused by urate crystals and is not blood – it's simply a sign that your baby is concentrating their urine as they adjust to life outside the womb. As your breast milk comes in or formula feeding is established, the urine should become pale yellow and more frequent. By day 4 or 5, most babies produce at least 6 wet diapers per day, which is an important indicator of adequate hydration.

The first bowel movements, called meconium, are thick, sticky, and greenish-black. This tar-like substance consists of materials ingested during fetal life – amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and bile. Meconium should clear within the first 2-3 days as your baby begins digesting milk. The transition from meconium to regular stool happens gradually, with stools becoming greenish-brown and then transitioning to yellow.

Breastfed Baby Stool Patterns

Breastfed babies typically have frequent bowel movements in the early weeks – often with every feeding. The stool is characteristically yellow or golden, seedy or curdled in texture, and has a sweet or yeasty smell. This frequent stooling is a positive sign that your baby is getting enough milk and their digestive system is working properly.

After the first few weeks, many breastfed babies begin having bowel movements less frequently. Some may go several days or even up to a week between stools. As long as the stool is soft when it comes and your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and seems comfortable, this is completely normal. Breast milk is so efficiently absorbed that there may simply be little waste to eliminate.

Formula-Fed Baby Stool Patterns

Babies who receive formula typically have stools that are slightly firmer and more tan or yellowish-brown in color compared to breastfed babies. They tend to stool less frequently – usually a few times per day rather than with every feeding. If your formula-fed baby seems to have hard, pellet-like stools or strains excessively, consult your healthcare provider as this may indicate constipation.

Why Does My Newborn Sound Congested?

Newborns have very narrow nasal passages and often sound stuffy or congested even when healthy. They frequently sneeze to clear mucus and amniotic fluid from their airways. You can use saline drops before feeding if congestion interferes with eating. Seek care if your baby has difficulty breathing or refuses to feed.

Many new parents are surprised and worried by the snuffling, snorting, and congested sounds their newborn makes. However, this is usually completely normal and not a sign of illness. Babies' nasal passages are extremely narrow – about the width of a small drinking straw – which means even tiny amounts of mucus can create noticeable sounds during breathing.

Newborns are obligate nose breathers for the first few months of life, meaning they breathe primarily through their noses rather than their mouths. This makes any nasal obstruction more noticeable and potentially problematic during feeding. When a baby nurses or bottle-feeds, they need to coordinate breathing through their nose while swallowing, so congestion can make feeding more difficult.

Frequent sneezing in newborns is a healthy reflex that helps clear the nasal passages of mucus, dust, and remaining amniotic fluid. A baby may sneeze many times throughout the day without having a cold or allergies. This is simply their way of keeping their airways clear and is not typically cause for concern.

Helping Your Baby Breathe Easier

If nasal congestion is interfering with feeding, you can help by placing a few drops of saline solution (available at pharmacies or you can make it at home with sterile water and salt) into each nostril a few minutes before feeding. This helps loosen mucus and makes breathing easier. You can use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently suction out mucus if needed, though many parents find that saline drops alone are sufficient.

Using a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room can help keep nasal passages moist and reduce congestion, especially in dry climates or during winter months when heating dries out indoor air. Keep the humidity level between 40-60% and clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.

What Is Oral Thrush in Newborns?

Oral thrush is a common yeast infection that causes white patches on the tongue, inside of cheeks, and lips. It often resolves on its own but may need antifungal treatment if persistent. Thrush can spread between a breastfeeding baby and mother's nipples. See your healthcare provider if you suspect thrush for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast, which naturally lives in everyone's mouth. In newborns, whose immune systems are still developing, this yeast can sometimes multiply and cause a visible infection. Thrush appears as creamy white patches that look somewhat like cottage cheese or milk residue on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and sometimes the roof of the mouth or lips.

Unlike milk residue, which wipes away easily, thrush patches are attached to the underlying tissue. If you try to wipe them away, you may see red, raw tissue underneath that may bleed slightly. The patches may cause your baby some discomfort, potentially making them fussy during feeding, though many babies with thrush seem unbothered by it.

Thrush is common in newborns because they haven't yet developed a balanced oral microbiome that keeps Candida in check. Certain factors can increase the risk, including recent antibiotic use by mother or baby, pacifier or bottle nipple use, and the moist environment of a baby's mouth.

Thrush and Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding a baby with thrush, the infection can spread to your nipples, causing nipple thrush. Symptoms of nipple thrush include itching, burning, deep shooting pains during or after feeding, and pink, shiny, or flaky skin on the nipples. Both mother and baby typically need to be treated simultaneously to prevent passing the infection back and forth.

Good hygiene practices can help manage and prevent thrush. Wash your hands frequently, sterilize pacifiers and bottle nipples, and if pumping, ensure all pump parts are properly cleaned. If you're breastfeeding, allow your nipples to air dry after feeding and consider changing nursing pads frequently.

What Should I Do About Infections Around My Baby's Nails?

Newborns can develop paronychia – infections around the fingernails or toenails causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pus. Mild infections can be treated with gentle washing and antiseptic solution. More severe infections may require antibiotic treatment. Keep your baby's nails trimmed short to prevent scratching and reduce infection risk.

The delicate skin around a newborn's fingernails and toenails can sometimes become infected, a condition called paronychia. This occurs when bacteria enter through small breaks in the skin caused by hangnails, aggressive nail trimming, or the baby scratching themselves. The affected area becomes red, swollen, warm, and tender, and may develop a small collection of pus.

Prevention starts with proper nail care. Newborn nails are soft but can be quite sharp, leading many babies to scratch their own faces. Keep nails trimmed short and smooth using baby nail clippers or an emery board. The best time to trim nails is when your baby is calm or sleeping, and good lighting helps you see what you're doing. Avoid biting or tearing your baby's nails, as this can create rough edges that catch on fabric or skin.

Treating Mild Nail Infections

For mild infections with minimal swelling and no pus, you can often treat at home by gently washing the area with soap and warm water several times daily. After washing, you may apply an antiseptic solution such as diluted chlorhexidine or iodine (available at pharmacies) using a cotton swab. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid covering it with bandages unless advised by your healthcare provider.

If the infection doesn't improve within a few days of home treatment, spreads, or develops a visible collection of pus, contact your healthcare provider. More significant infections may require prescription antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. In some cases, the healthcare provider may need to drain a pus collection to promote healing.

What Are These Blisters on My Baby's Lips?

Sucking blisters on the upper lip are common in newborns who feed vigorously. These small blisters or calluses are not painful and don't bother your baby. They form from the friction of sucking and typically disappear on their own as your baby grows. No treatment is needed.

Many parents notice small blisters or thickened areas on their newborn's upper lip and worry that something is wrong. These are called sucking blisters or sucking calluses, and they are completely harmless. They develop from the natural friction and pressure of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, particularly in babies who suck very vigorously.

Sucking blisters look like small, clear or yellowish blisters in the center of the upper lip, or may appear as thickened, calloused skin. They don't cause pain or discomfort for your baby, and you'll likely notice that your baby feeds normally despite their presence. The blisters may come and go – appearing after feeding and then flattening – or may persist for several weeks.

No treatment is necessary for sucking blisters. They are not a sign of improper latch or feeding problems, and they don't indicate that your baby is in pain. As your baby grows and their skin becomes more resilient, and as their sucking pattern matures, these blisters will disappear on their own. If you're concerned about a blister on your baby's lip that looks different – such as one filled with yellow or green fluid, or one that appears infected – contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

What Skin Changes Are Normal in Newborns?

Newborn skin goes through many changes in the first weeks. Common normal findings include milia (tiny white bumps), erythema toxicum (red blotches), skin peeling especially on hands and feet, cradle cap, and color changes from temperature. Most skin conditions resolve without treatment within weeks.

Your newborn's skin is their largest organ and goes through remarkable changes during the first weeks of life as it adapts from the watery environment of the womb to the dry outside world. Many skin changes that seem alarming are actually completely normal developmental phenomena that resolve on their own without any treatment.

Understanding what's normal helps you distinguish harmless conditions from those that might need medical attention. Most newborn skin conditions are benign and temporary, reflecting the immaturity of the skin and its gradual adaptation to the external environment.

Milia

Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps, usually 1-2 millimeters in size, that appear on a newborn's nose, cheeks, chin, and sometimes forehead. These are caused by tiny keratin cysts – essentially tiny plugs of protein trapped in skin pores. About 40-50% of newborns develop milia, and they are particularly noticeable against the baby's fresh, smooth skin.

Milia require no treatment and will disappear on their own, usually within the first few weeks of life as the skin naturally exfoliates. Don't attempt to squeeze or scrub milia – this could irritate the skin or cause infection. Simply keep your baby's face clean with gentle washing during normal bathing.

Erythema Toxicum (Newborn Rash)

Despite its alarming name, erythema toxicum neonatorum is a completely harmless rash that affects about 50% of full-term newborns. It typically appears between 2-5 days after birth and consists of red blotchy patches with small yellowish-white bumps in the center – sometimes described as looking like flea bites.

The rash can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the face, trunk, and limbs. It tends to come and go, moving to different areas and changing in intensity. The cause is unknown but is thought to be related to the activation of the baby's immune system as it encounters new microbes in the environment. No treatment is needed, and the rash resolves completely within 1-2 weeks.

Skin Peeling

Most newborns experience some degree of skin peeling, particularly on the hands, feet, and ankles, during the first few weeks of life. This is especially common in babies born at or past their due date. The peeling occurs because the outermost layer of skin, which was protected by vernix (the waxy coating in the womb), dries out when exposed to air.

For mild peeling, no treatment is necessary – the skin will normalize on its own. If the skin is very dry or peeling extensively, you can apply a gentle, fragrance-free baby oil or moisturizer after baths. However, most pediatricians recommend minimal product use on newborn skin.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) appears as thick, yellowish, scaly or crusty patches on the scalp, though it can also affect the eyebrows, ears, and skin folds. It's caused by overactive oil glands in the skin and is very common in the first few months of life.

Cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. In most cases, it resolves on its own by 6-12 months of age. You can help loosen the scales by massaging a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil into the scalp before bath time, then gently brushing with a soft brush or comb and washing with gentle baby shampoo.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is extremely common and causes red, irritated skin in the diaper area. It develops when sensitive skin is exposed to wetness, friction, and the chemical irritants in urine and stool. The rash may appear as general redness, small red bumps, or in more severe cases, can develop into raw, weeping areas.

Prevention and treatment involve frequent diaper changes to minimize moisture exposure, gentle cleaning with water or fragrance-free wipes, and allowing diaper-free time when possible for the area to air dry. Applying a barrier cream containing zinc oxide with each diaper change can protect the skin. If the rash becomes severe, develops blisters, or appears shiny and bright red (which may indicate a yeast infection), consult your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Care for Skin Changes

While most newborn skin changes are harmless, some require medical evaluation. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Skin that is so dry it cracks, bleeds, or becomes raw and weepy
• Blisters filled with clear, cloudy, or bloody fluid
• Rash accompanied by fever or signs of illness
• Spreading redness, warmth, or swelling suggesting infection
• Diaper rash that doesn't respond to home treatment within a few days
• Pustules (pus-filled bumps) that seem infected

Is Jaundice in Newborns Something to Worry About?

Mild jaundice occurs in 60% of term newborns and is usually harmless. It causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. Jaundice typically peaks around day 3-5 and resolves within 1-2 weeks. However, jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth, severe jaundice, or jaundice with poor feeding requires immediate medical evaluation.

Newborn jaundice, also called neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, is one of the most common conditions affecting newborns. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin – a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells – in the baby's blood. Because newborns have more red blood cells than adults and their immature livers process bilirubin more slowly, some degree of jaundice is extremely common.

Jaundice typically becomes visible on the second or third day after birth. You'll notice a yellowish tint to your baby's skin, starting on the face and moving down to the chest and abdomen as levels increase. The whites of the eyes (sclera) also take on a yellow color. In babies with darker skin tones, jaundice may be harder to detect visually, but you can check the gums, palms, and soles of the feet.

In most cases, this "physiological jaundice" is harmless and resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks as your baby's liver matures and becomes more efficient at processing bilirubin. Breastfed babies may experience jaundice for slightly longer, sometimes up to 3-4 weeks, which is called breast milk jaundice and is also typically harmless.

Feeding and Jaundice

Adequate feeding is one of the most important factors in preventing and treating mild jaundice. Bilirubin leaves the body through stool, so the more your baby feeds and stools, the faster bilirubin levels drop. Aim for 8-12 feedings per 24 hours and watch for signs of good milk transfer – audible swallowing, satiation after feeding, and adequate wet and dirty diapers.

Why Are My Baby's Genitals and Breasts Swollen?

Swelling of the genitals and breast tissue in newborns of both sexes is caused by maternal hormones that crossed the placenta. This is completely normal and resolves within the first few weeks. Some newborn girls may also have a small amount of vaginal discharge, which is also hormonal and temporary.

Before birth, your baby was exposed to high levels of maternal hormones through the placenta. These hormones – particularly estrogen – can cause noticeable swelling in your newborn's body that might seem surprising. Both male and female newborns may have swollen breast tissue (sometimes called breast buds) that can feel like small lumps under the nipples. In some cases, a small amount of milky discharge may even be expressed – this was historically called "witch's milk."

The genitals of newborns of both sexes are often swollen at birth due to the same hormonal influence. In boys, the scrotum may appear large and puffy. In girls, the labia may be swollen and prominent. This swelling typically resolves within the first week or two as the maternal hormones leave your baby's system.

Vaginal Discharge in Newborn Girls

Newborn girls may have a whitish or sometimes blood-tinged vaginal discharge during the first few days or weeks of life. This discharge, called physiological leukorrhea, is caused by the withdrawal of maternal estrogen after birth – essentially a mini hormonal shift similar to what causes menstruation in adult women. The discharge is completely normal and requires no treatment. Simply clean the area gently during diaper changes and allow it to resolve on its own.

What Should I Know About My Baby's Head and Fontanelles?

A newborn's head is proportionally large and the skull bones are not fully fused, leaving soft spots called fontanelles. The large fontanelle typically closes by 12-18 months. These spots are protected by tough membranes and safe to touch gently. Vary your baby's head position when awake to prevent flat spots. Seek care if the fontanelle appears sunken or bulging.

Your newborn's head represents about one-quarter of their total body length – proportionally much larger than an adult's head. The head is also relatively heavy, which is why your baby cannot hold it up unsupported in the early months and always needs head support when being carried or held.

The skull of a newborn consists of several bone plates that aren't yet fused together. This design serves two critical purposes: it allows the head to mold and compress slightly during passage through the birth canal, and it provides room for the rapidly growing brain during the first years of life. If your baby was born vaginally, you may notice that their head looks slightly elongated or cone-shaped at first. This is called molding and is temporary – the head assumes a more rounded shape within a few days to a week.

Understanding Fontanelles

The gaps between skull bones where they haven't yet joined are called fontanelles, commonly referred to as "soft spots." There are two main fontanelles you can feel on your baby's head. The anterior (front) fontanelle is the larger one, located on top of the head toward the front. It's diamond-shaped and typically measures about 2-3 centimeters across. This fontanelle gradually decreases in size and usually closes completely between 12-18 months of age.

The posterior (back) fontanelle is much smaller, triangular-shaped, and located at the back of the head where the skull bones meet. This one typically closes much earlier, usually within the first few months of life, and may be difficult to feel even from birth.

Though the word "soft spot" can sound vulnerable, fontanelles are actually well-protected by a tough, fibrous membrane called the dura mater. You don't need to be afraid to gently touch, wash, or stroke your baby's head over the fontanelles. Normal daily care and affection pose no risk to your baby.

Preventing Flat Head Syndrome

Because a newborn's skull is soft and malleable, the head shape can be affected by the position in which your baby spends most of their time. Spending too much time lying with the head in one position can lead to positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), where one area of the skull becomes flattened.

To prevent this, vary your baby's head position when they're sleeping (while always placing them on their back to sleep, as recommended for SIDS prevention). When your baby is awake and supervised, provide plenty of tummy time, which not only helps with head shape but also strengthens neck and shoulder muscles. You can also alternate which arm you use to hold your baby during feeding and alternate which end of the crib you place your baby's head.

What Eye Changes Are Normal in Newborns?

Newborn eyes may appear swollen from delivery, have small red spots from burst blood vessels (subconjunctival hemorrhages), or produce discharge from blocked tear ducts. These typically resolve within weeks. Clean discharge gently with sterile saline. Seek immediate care for babies under one month with red, swollen eyes or pus-like discharge.

Your newborn's eyes undergo significant adaptation in the first weeks of life, and several changes that may seem concerning are actually completely normal. Understanding what to expect helps you know when simple home care is sufficient and when medical attention is needed.

During delivery, especially vaginal delivery, the area around your baby's eyes may become temporarily swollen from pressure as the head passes through the birth canal. This puffiness typically resolves within the first few days. You may also notice small red spots in the whites of your baby's eyes – these are subconjunctival hemorrhages, tiny broken blood vessels caused by the pressure of delivery. They look dramatic but are harmless and resolve on their own within one to three weeks without any treatment.

Eye Discharge and Blocked Tear Ducts

Many newborns develop sticky eyes or eye discharge, most commonly caused by blocked tear ducts. The tear drainage system is not fully developed at birth, and the tiny drainage channel (nasolacrimal duct) that normally carries tears from the eye to the nose may be narrow or blocked by a thin membrane. This affects about 20% of newborns.

When tear ducts are blocked, tears cannot drain properly and may pool in the eye, causing a watery appearance. When the stagnant tears mix with normal eye secretions, a sticky yellow or white discharge can accumulate, especially after sleep, sometimes causing the eyelids to stick together.

To manage blocked tear ducts, gently clean your baby's eyes using a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball dampened with sterile saline solution or cooled boiled water. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward, using a fresh cloth or cotton ball for each eye to prevent spreading any infection. Your healthcare provider may also show you how to gently massage the area near the tear duct to help encourage opening.

Most blocked tear ducts resolve on their own by age one year. If the condition persists beyond this age, or if you notice signs of infection (discussed below), consult your healthcare provider about further options.

Why Are Newborns So Vulnerable to Infections?

Newborns have immature immune systems and rely partly on antibodies passed from the mother during pregnancy and through breast milk. They are especially vulnerable to infections in the first month of life. Limit exposure to crowds and sick people, encourage handwashing before touching your baby, and avoid having people kiss your baby's face.

Your newborn's immune system is a work in progress. While babies are born with some immune protection – antibodies passed from mother to baby through the placenta during the third trimester – their own immune responses are immature and not yet capable of fighting off many infections effectively. This makes the first few months, and especially the first month, a particularly vulnerable time.

Breastfed babies receive additional immune protection through breast milk, which contains antibodies, immune cells, and other protective factors. This "passive immunity" helps bridge the gap until your baby's own immune system becomes more competent. However, even with these protections, newborns can become seriously ill from infections that might cause only mild illness in older children or adults.

Protecting Your Newborn from Infections

While you can't keep your baby in a bubble, some practical precautions can reduce infection risk during this vulnerable period. In the first few weeks, limit your baby's exposure to large gatherings, crowded public spaces like shopping centers or public transportation, and anyone who is or recently has been ill with infectious symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or fever.

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection transmission. Ask anyone who wants to hold or touch your baby to wash their hands thoroughly first. Keep hand sanitizer available for situations where handwashing isn't practical. Additionally, avoid having visitors kiss your newborn on the face or hands, as this can transmit common infections like cold sores (herpes simplex virus) that can be very serious in newborns.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is particularly dangerous for young infants and can cause severe breathing problems. During RSV season (typically fall and winter), be especially cautious about exposures. Anyone with cold symptoms should avoid close contact with your baby.

What Should I Know About Giving Medications to Newborns?

Always consult your healthcare provider before giving any medication to a baby under 6 months. Use only oral syringes (not household spoons) for accurate dosing. Give liquid medicines slowly into the side of the mouth, not directly down the throat, with baby in a semi-upright position to prevent choking.

Giving medications to newborns requires extra care due to their small size, immature metabolism, and inability to communicate discomfort. Before giving any medication – whether prescription, over-the-counter, or natural/herbal – always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Babies process medications differently than older children and adults, and even common medications can be harmful or need special dosing in young infants.

When a medication is prescribed, use only the measuring device provided with the medication or a proper dosing syringe from the pharmacy. Household teaspoons and tablespoons are not accurate and should never be used for measuring medication. Even small dosing errors can be significant in a tiny baby.

How to Give Liquid Medications Safely

To give liquid medication, position your baby in a semi-upright position – either in your lap with their head slightly elevated, or in an infant seat. Never give medication to a baby lying flat, as this increases the risk of choking. Draw up the correct dose in an oral syringe.

Place the tip of the syringe inside your baby's cheek, between the cheek and gum, rather than pointing it straight down the throat. Slowly depress the plunger to release the medication in small amounts, giving your baby time to swallow between squirts. Aiming toward the cheek rather than the back of the throat reduces gagging and the risk of medication entering the airway.

If your baby spits out the medication, don't automatically give another dose, as you may cause an overdose. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether to re-dose. Some medications come in different forms – if your baby consistently refuses or spits out a medication, ask if there are alternatives.