Sometimes, baby's health problems are very common — though that may not bring you immediate comfort when your precious little one is suffering. Still, knowing how to deal with the more routine problems will go a long way toward calming your nerves so that you can help ease baby's discomfort. The key to successfully treating most of these health challenges is quick recognition by you.

Diarrhea

The primary causes of diarrhea are a viral or bacterial infection, or intolerance to a new food. If baby has one or two loose stools in a day or so, there is no real cause for alarm; however, you should call the doctor if the diarrhea contains blood or if baby is dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration include a significant decrease in wet diapers (low urine output — less than five wet diapers per day); dry mouth; and sometimes weight loss.

Constipation

If baby is straining or having difficulty in producing stools, the best thing you can do is try curling the baby's knees up as he is straining; this can help baby use gravity to push the stool out. If there is still a problem, you could try an increase in water or diluted juice. Note that it's common for breastfed babies to only have bowel movements once a week or so, so it's likely not constipation if the baby is feeding well and the bowel movements are soft.

Vomiting

As with diarrhea, your primary concern should be to keep your baby hydrated. Feed baby formula, breast milk, or an electrolyte solution to replenish fluids more rapidly. Vomiting typically is more short lived than diarrhea but can be indicative of a more serious problem. Try to give baby about a teaspoon of fluid every five to ten minutes, and then call your doctor. (Note: Spitting up after feeding is not considered vomiting.)

Gas Pain

Your baby is crying incessantly, and nothing seems to be wrong — until you notice that baby has passed a tiny bit of gas. Where there is a little, there is usually more; so try some gas-relief drops to help baby get rid of the tummy pain. In and of itself, gas poses no real threat to baby's health; in fact, it is healthy for baby to pass as much gas as necessary. By the way, most babies have gas and most babies cry — so these two “signs” are not always indicative of a problem.

Teething Pain

It can take up to two (long) weeks for baby to cut a tooth; imagine how long baby will fuss and cry if left to fend for herself! Gums will be sore, and baby will drool buckets. These are your major symptoms; now that you know what they are, how can you best help baby? Give her some pain reliever (either acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the baby is more than six months old; or you can try some topical pain reliever such as Anbesol). Provide lots of cool teething toys for baby to gnaw on; always keep at least one in the refrigerator. Keep a bib on baby as often as possible, and change it as frequently as it becomes wet.