What do I do when my newborn baby has colic? What is thrush? How do you treat jaundice in a newborn baby? These are just some of the questions new parents are sure to ask.

Whether it's vaccinations, allergies, obesity or the common cold, the health and well-being of your little one will always be a priority. Step-by-step demonstrations and expert medical advice on a variety of health-related topics are provided in our DVDs. This section offers a little extra - additional information on some common themes - to help you learn more about your child's health.

Watch Bringing Baby Home for more about colic, thrush, baby acne, jaundice and other infant health questions or newborn baby-care terms.

Here are some other topics covered in Bringing Baby Home:

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Certain foods of food additives that your baby eats could cause a reaction in his immune system. This is a food allergy. Your baby may have a reaction after eating only a small amount of food. In some cases, this reaction can be severe or even life-threatening. An allergic reaction can occur immediately or over time.

Here are some symptoms of possible food allergy that may be noticed upon repeated exposure to the potentially allergenic food:

• stuffy nose
• watery eyes
• irritability
• low weight gain
• projectile vomiting
• facial swelling
• repeated diarrhea
• anemia
• eczema or hives
• wheezy breathing
• asthma
• blood in the stool

Consult a doctor immediately if you fear your baby has a food allergy.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is quite common among babies and young children.
It usually means: more frequent, loose stools, generally lasts for only a brief period and should always be treated quickly, especially in infants.
Diarrhea germs spread from person to person, especially among children.
Washing your hands before and after - diaper changes, going to the washroom and while handling food, will help limit the spread of diarrhea germs.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea include:

• frequent, loose watery stools
• abdominal cramps
• abdominal pain
• bleeding

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an infection in the intestines marked by: diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever.
There is no effective treatment for gastroenteritis except prevention.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

• stools appear black or bloody
• fever of more than 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.5 Farenheit)
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal cramps
• dehydration (less than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours, dry mouth, skin or tongue, greyish skin, sunken eyes or soft spot)
• diarrhea occurs in a baby under 6 months of age
• gastroenteritis occurs in a baby under 6 months of age

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