Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby's early years, marking the arrival of their first teeth. As this natural process begins, it often brings with it a host of discomforts and challenges for both the baby and the parents. From the first signs of swollen gums to increased drooling and irritability, teething can be a difficult phase to navigate. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething is crucial for providing effective relief and support. This article aims to guide you through the various indicators that your baby is teething, helping you to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and other health concerns. Additionally, we will explore practical strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort, including both over-the-counter remedies and natural approaches. One common concern among parents is the potential link between teething and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea. We'll clarify this relationship and offer advice on how to manage your baby's symptoms effectively. By familiarising yourself with the signs of teething and the best ways to help your baby through this period, you can ensure a smoother transition and provide much-needed comfort during this developmental phase.

Projectile vomiting is when vomit flies out of a baby’s mouth forcefully. It will project like an arc several feet back, and looks quite different to the undramatic dribble of possetting. One important cause of projectile vomiting is pyloric stenosis, which affects 2-4 in 1,000 newborn babies. Pyloric stenosis occurs when there is a progressive thickening of the lower aspect of the stomach, causing a tightening or narrowing of the outlet of the stomach where it goes into the small intestine. This tightening means food can’t leave the stomach, causing an obstruction, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The symptoms often occur in the first 5 weeks of life. It is more common in children whose parents had pyloric stenosis as a child, and in first-born males.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is commonly referred to as cot death. It is the term for the sudden death of a healthy baby in its sleep that occurs without explanation or expectation. Thankfully, SIDS is rare with about 1 in 3,000 babies dying from it in the UK every year, but every death is one death too many, so the aim is to reduce the risk as much as possible

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord called the meninges. You must be able to identify the symptoms of meningitis as it can develop into a life-threatening infection known as sepsis or septicaemia. It is critical to know that the symptoms of meningitis can occur in any order. Because of the severity, if you suspect that a family member or someone you know could have meningitis, you should seek urgent medical advice.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may be wondering, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of it before now, and why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and you are not alone: 1 in 5 babies suffer from colic. With qualifications of being a GP and a mother of two, I’ll talk you through what it is, what you can do about it and how long it will last. Colic is the word used for when babies cry for a consistent period of time without any obvious cause. It’s not well understood and there’s no consensus on the cause. One theory is that a baby’s gut is underdeveloped early on, making it harder for them to digest food and causing some temporary distress. Another theory is that it occurs with an overactive supply and let down when breastfeeding. How long does it last? Colic typically starts in the first six weeks of life. It fits the diagnosis if a baby cries for more than three hours a day, for at least three days a week. Most babies suffer from colic in the evening, but it can happen at any time of day. Colic usually goes away by itself after three to four months. But, of course, every baby is different: you may feel relieved if it’s short-lived, or you could be unlucky and it lasts for six months or so.