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Your Baby Week Six

By , About.com Guide

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Week Six Medical Issues

Some parents switch to cloth diapers when their babies are getting too many diaper rashes.

Some parents switch to cloth diapers when their babies are getting too many diaper rashes.

Photo © Summer Woodcock
In addition to conditions that can linger at this age, including reflux, thrush, hiccups and gas, six week old babies can have:

Diaper Rashes

Although frustrating for parents, most children get at least one diaper rash. Many get them over and over. If your child gets frequent diaper rashes, you might change the type of diaper you are using (cloth vs. disposable diapers), change brands of disposable diapers and/or baby wipes, and/or apply a diaper rash cream after each diaper change.

Typically, frequently changing your baby's diaper can help prevent diaper rashes, which are often caused by irritation from urine and bowel movements. Also, avoid vigorous rubbing with baby wipes, which sometimes can cause more irritation.

After cleaning your baby, apply a generous amount of your favorite diaper rash cream to treat a diaper rash. If the diaper rash isn't improving in 48 hours or is getting worse, then your baby may have a yeast infection. This type of diaper rash is caused by Candida albicans, which also causes thrush. Yeast diaper rashes appear as a bright red rash with small red bumps around it and requires treatment with a topical antifungal cream that can be prescribed by your pediatrician.

Eczema

Infants with eczema often develop red, rough patches of skin that can be itchy. Eczema often begins on a baby's forehead, cheeks, arms and legs.

Care for infants with eczema includes using steroid creams, avoiding triggers and using moisturizers. { more information }

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