During the fetal period, the baby was inseparably connected to the mother, but now must begin life in a completely new and unfamiliar environment. The first contact with the mother, the first measurements and weighing, the first diaper change, care, bath, and sleep — and of course, the first feeding. Then come the first days at home — immense joy and happiness, but also many questions, doubts, and the constant worry: will everything be all right?
Caring for a baby's delicate skin can be challenging. Often, small blisters appear on the scalp, neck, back, and around the ears—these are heat rashes—numerous tiny, clear vesicles. They can enlarge, rupture on their own, or become infected. These are caused by the immaturity of sweat glands and skin damage due to overheating of the baby. For treatment, we use baths with a few crystals of potassium permanganate, gentle soap, and in cases of infected heat rashes, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Cradle cap (scalp seborrhea) is related to abnormal activity of the sebaceous glands. On the baby's scalp and sometimes around the eyebrows, greasy, gray-yellow scales appear, which may merge into a hard crust. Care involves applying oil to moisturize the scalp and then removing the scales with a soft brush, being careful not to damage the skin.
Another common issue parents face is diaper rash and irritations, occurring in the groin folds, buttocks, perineal area, and around the anus. These are erythematous changes with a tendency to weep, and signs of skin damage. Bacterial excoriations can develop on top of these irritations. Treatment involves careful skin care of affected areas, thorough cleaning and rinsing away soap residues, which can be irritating, exposing the area to air, and applying protective ointments.
Red spots on the upper eyelids, forehead, upper lip, and just above the hairline on the back of the head often alarm parents. These are harmless, localized dilations of blood vessels called “angel kisses,” “stork bites,” or salmon patches. They usually fade on their own within the first year of life. Similarly, bluish spots on the lower back, buttocks, and on the outer surfaces of the hands and feet in children with fair skin are known as “Mongolian spots,” which typically disappear around age five.
Small white or yellowish bumps on the forehead, cheeks, and nose of a baby are called milia—caused by blocked hair follicle openings. They do not require removal and usually resolve within 2-4 weeks as the sebaceous glands mature, similar to neonatal acne caused by maternal hormones.
A healing umbilical stump often causes concern for parents. It should fall off within two weeks. Until then, keep it clean, disinfect with 70% alcohol, and avoid soaking during baths. Frequent airing speeds up healing, so the diaper should be placed to avoid covering it. If pus, redness, or swelling appears—signs of infection—antibiotic treatment is necessary.
Proper newborn care also addresses the important issue of preventing developmental dysplasia of the hip. Untreated dysplasia, subluxation, or dislocation can impair future joint function. Since newborns are influenced by maternal hormones (relaxin, estrogen) that cause ligament relaxation around the joints, it’s important to prevent or correct abnormalities early. An initial ultrasound of the hips should be performed during this period. Until then, do not constrict the baby’s legs with sleep suits or swaddles, avoid forcing straightening of the legs during diaper changes, and frequently place the baby in the “frog position.”
It is also advisable to consider protecting the child from contagious diseases through vaccinations. The vaccination schedule in the UK is extensive but does not include vaccines against hepatitis B, tuberculosis, or rotavirus diarrhea—these are administered in other European countries.
Most children are breastfed, which is the healthiest nutrition. However, breast milk alone does not contain enough vitamin D3, which is necessary for proper bone mineralization. Recent scientific studies highlight the role of vitamin D in immune function, preventing lifestyle-related diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis), and certain cancers of the digestive and urinary-genital systems. Similarly, vitamin K should be supplemented to ensure proper blood clotting function. The daily doses of both vitamins are determined by the doctor.
All content on this website is the intellectual property of Poland Medical Clinic. Copying, reproduction, or dissemination in whole or in part, in any form or manner without the administrator’s permission, is prohibited; any unauthorized use will be considered a violation of copyright laws.
