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A parent’s guide to common newborn problems
From reflux to colic, the first few weeks can present a range of challenges. Feel more equipped with HiPP Organic's common newborn problems guide.
Bringing home a newborn can feel both exciting and overwhelming for parents. As much as we prepare, nothing quite compares to the reality of caring for a tiny human 24/7. The first few weeks can be a whirlwind of feeding, nappy changes and sleepless nights. You may also face common newborn issues. In this article for parents we will go through some of these common newborn problems. By learning about these typical concerns and how to manage them, you'll feel more confident navigating your baby’s early days and know when to seek help.
Colic
Colic is a common condition in newborns, it is when a baby cries a lot typically for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week. There is no obvious cause and your baby is generally well and healthy. It typically begins within the first few weeks of life and often resolves by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it may be related to digestive system immaturity. Your baby may also show symptoms such as being windy, clenching their fists, bringing their knees up to their tummy or arching their back.
There are a few things that you can do to help your baby through this challenging phase:
- Try to stay calm: this can be difficult when your baby is crying so much, but it’s important to remain calm. If you are struggling to do this at times, which is normal, hand your baby over to a trusted person and allow them to take over for a little while.
- Hold or rock your baby: most babies love being walked around and rocked. Holding or rocking them can help soothe them and make them feel more comfortable, you can also try skin-to-skin. Letting them know they are loved and safe in your arms through this difficult experience can really help.
- Gentle white noise in the background
- During feeds sit your baby upright and wind them after feeds
Get advice and support from a healthcare professional - always reach out when you feel the need to. You can also find additional free support here Cry-sis helpline.
Tongue tie
A tongue tie is where the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth by a thin strip of tissue which is shorter or tighter than usual. This may not cause any problems but can make it difficult to move the tongue and can interfere with breastfeeding. Symptoms to look out for are difficulties latching during a feed, dribbling, coughing during feeds and weight loss.
Tongue ties are not always obvious at birth, but may become more apparent as the baby starts to feed. If you think your baby has a tongue tie, talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to examine your baby and can then confirm whether or not they have a tongue tie.
If your baby has a tongue tie, treatment is not always needed if it is not causing any problems. The most common treatment is a procedure called “frenectomy”, which involves cutting the tissue that is attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This procedure is usually quick and easy. After the procedure, your baby should be able to breastfeed without difficulty.
If you think your baby may have a tongue tie, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
Reflux
If your baby is regurgitating milk, spitting up after feeds, crying a lot and being unsettled during feeds or not putting on weight they may have reflux. If you are worried about your baby's reflux, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider.
There are a few things that you can do to help ease your baby's discomfort from reflux:
- Burp them frequently during and after feeds
- Hold them upright for at least 30 minutes after feeds
- Give smaller feeds often
- Ensure baby sleeps flat on their back
In most cases it will self resolve by 12 weeks of age, it is important to get support from a specialist to help during these weeks.
Constipation
It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of constipation in babies so they can seek treatment if necessary.
The most common sign of constipation in babies is infrequent or hard stools. If your baby is straining or having difficulty passing stools, this may also be a sign of constipation. Other symptoms include crying during or after a bowel movement, a firm tummy and unusually smelly poo or wind.
With newborn babies it is best to seek advice as soon as possible. For older babies, you can try the following at-home remedies:
- Tummy Massage: Gently massage your baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction.
- Bicycle Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion.
- Hydration: If your baby is formula-fed, offer small amounts of cooled, boiled water between feeds.
- Dietary Adjustments: For babies on solids, incorporate high-fibre foods like pureed prunes, pears, or apples
If constipation persists you should speak to your GP or health visitor.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s usually harmless and occurs as the baby’s body breaks down extra red blood cells after birth. It typically appears around day 3 and fades within 10 days, though it can last a bit longer in breastfed babies.
If jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth or lasts more than 3 weeks, it may indicate an underlying issue and should be assessed by a healthcare professional. In some cases, babies may be sleepier than usual or require a blood test to check bilirubin levels. If levels are high, treatment with phototherapy (light therapy) may be needed.
Always speak to your midwife or doctor if you’re concerned.
Final thoughts
Caring for a newborn can be both joyful and challenging. Understanding common newborn issues helps parents respond confidently and seek support when needed. If you're ever unsure about your baby’s symptoms, feeding, or behaviour, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional.
Many early concerns improve with time as your baby grows and develops. Trust your instincts, take things one day at a time, and remember - you’re doing a great job.
The information in this article is for education purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals/your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
