The first few months of being a new parent can be an anxious time. And when health issues arise, it’s easy to panic. Fortunately, most common health conditions that can affect newborns are easy to care for. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things you might see, what you can do about them yourself, and when to take your little one to the doctor.

#1 Diaper rash
Diaper rash is usually characterized by a mild redness and scaling, but may also include pimples, blisters and other sores. Most diaper rashes are caused by skin irritation, which can be caused by the baby’s urine and feces, soap used to wash cloth diapers, or by some brands of disposable diapers or baby wipes. Diaper rash may also occur where diapers rub against the skin or when a diaper fits too tightly.

What can I do?
● Change your baby’s diaper often.
● Carefully clean your baby’s bottom and allow the skin to dry completely between diaper changes.
● Use products that contain zinc oxide ointment (such as Desitin) to protect your baby’s skin from moisture.

Call your doctor if:
● Pimples, small ulcers, large bumps or nodules are present.
● Your baby has a fever.
● Your baby loses weight or isn’t eating as well as usual.
● The rash spreads to other areas, such as the stomach, back, legs or upper body.
● The rash doesn’t get better after a week of treatment.

#2 Colic
When babies cry for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks, they’re said to have colic. Colic usually starts between the third and sixth week after birth, and usually goes away by 3 months of age. No one is sure what causes colic. Babies who have colic are healthy, so it’s not caused by a medical problem.

What can I do?
● Walk with your baby.
● Rock your baby in a rocking chair or cradle.
● Put your baby in a swing or go for a drive with your baby in the car seat.
● Give your baby a warm bath.
● Swaddle your baby in a soft blanket.
● Hold your baby across your lap and massage his or her back.

Call your doctor if:
● Your baby’s cry changes from a fussy one to a painful one.
● Your baby stops gaining weight.
● Your baby has a fever.
● You’re afraid you might hurt your baby.

#3 Spitting up
The medical term for “spitting up” is gastro-esophageal reflux. It happens when milk or solid food in the stomach comes back up into your baby’s esophagus (the tube that joins the mouth and the stomach). Reflux is most common during or after a meal. Most affected babies don’t seem bothered by reflux; however, some babies who have reflux may experience some irritability and discomfort.

What can I do?
● Feed your baby by placing him or her in an upright position.
● Keep your baby in this position for 30 minutes after feeding.
● If your baby is bottle-fed, burp him or her every 3 to 5 minutes.
● Some babies spit up less if they are given less milk at each feeding, but are fed more often.

Call your doctor if:
● Your baby loses weight or isn’t eating as well as usual.
● Your baby gags while eating or is vomiting blood.

#4 Cradle cap
Cradle cap is very common. It looks a lot like dandruff — you may notice that your baby has a dry, flaky scalp. There may be thick, yellowish patches on the scalp. Cradle cap isn’t contagious, and unless it’s severe, it won’t bother your baby.

What can I do?
● Use a mild, nonmedicated baby shampoo.
● Brushing your baby’s scalp with a soft brush, like a toothbrush, can help loosen scales or flakes. But be gentle — a break in the skin makes it vulnerable to infection.

Call your doctor if:
● Frequent shampooing doesn’t seem to help.
● Cradle cap is severe.
● The rash spreads to other parts of the body.

#5 Common cold
Did you know that most babies have had at least 6 colds by the time they turn 1? The most common sign is a stuffy or runny nose. Babies have very small nasal passages, so it doesn’t take much to make them congested. Other signs of a cold include watery eyes, sneezing and a low-grade fever.

What can I do?
● Use a bulb syringe to suction out your baby’s nose. To help break up the mucus, you can use over-the-counter saline nose drops.
● Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. Be sure to change the water daily.
● Put a rolled-up towel underneath one end of your baby’s mattress. This will help keep your baby’s head slightly elevated, making breathing easier.

Call your doctor if:
● Your baby is 3 months of age or younger with cold symptoms.
● Your baby has trouble breathing, is breathing fast or wheezing, or your baby’s skin is a bluish color.
● Your baby isn’t eating well.
● Your baby is irritable, isn’t sleeping or has seizures.