Health Information

Jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for jaundice in babies is neonatal jaundice. Other symptoms of newborn jaundice can include: yellowing of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) happens when a newborn baby's lungs aren't fully developed and they can provide enough oxygen. It usually affects premature babies.

Routine hearing tests are offered to newborn babies and children to identify any problems early on in their development. Although serious hearing problems during childhood are rare, early testing ensures that any problems are picked up and managed as early as possible.

The newborn hearing screening test helps to identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.

Cradle cap is the greasy, yellow scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of young babies. It's a common harmless condition that doesn't usually itch or cause discomfort to the baby. If your baby is scratching their head or there is swelling, speak to your GP as it may be a sign of another condition, such as atopic eczema.

Craniosynostosis is a rare skull problem that causes a baby to be born with, or develop, an abnormally shaped head. The irregular skull shape in craniosynostosis can cause persistent headaches, learning difficulties, eye problems and other symptoms. Most symptoms develop in later childhood.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – also known as cot death – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently well baby.

Babies sometimes develop a flattened head when they're a few months old, usually from sleeping on their back. It's known as "flat head syndrome" or "moulding" and there are two types – plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (see below).

All babies cry, and some cry a lot. Crying is your baby’s way of telling you they need comfort and care.

Some babies sleep much more than others. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts. Some soon sleep through the night and some don’t for a long time.

Don't bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room is warm.

Most parents take the decision on how to feed their babies very seriously. It's not only important for nutritional reasons. Feeding also helps to you to build a close and loving bond with your babies.