Thrush in Babies

Many people do not realise that yeast infections spread beyond those that women get, but it is actually quite common in people of all ages, and all genders.  In fact, thrush in babies is particularly common.  There are several types of thrush in babies, and in this article, we look at what they are, and what causes them.  We also look at what you can do to cure these kinds of yeast infection.

What Kind of Thrush Do Babies Get?

The first question you probably have is what kind of thrush do babies get. The most common by far is diaper rash.  Many people do not realise that diaper rash is, in fact, a form of yeast infection, but it is.

Oral thrush is another common type of thrush in babies.  This can be contracted from improperly sterilised bottles or teats, as well as pacifiers, and if your child has thrush, and is breast feeding, he, or she can pass it on to you, which will result in cracked and sore nipples.

What Causes Thrush in Babies?

Thrush in babies is caused by the same thing as yeast infections in adults – a type of fungus or yeast known as Candida Albicans. It can grow on bottles, teats and other feeding equipment, and in the case of diaper rash, it is probably already present, but the warm, moist environment that a diaper provides causes it to grow out of control.

How Is Thrush Treated In Babies?

If you are a mom, you know that treating any kind of illness is tricky, mainly because very young babies cannot take most of the medications you do, and there is no option of giving your child yogurt or other probiotics, because he or she cannot yet eat solid foods.

The best bet, if your child has oral thrush, is to speak to your paediatrician, who can prescribe an anti fungal medication that you can give your baby orally.

If your child is suffering from diaper rash, the best advice is to invest in a medicated diaper rash cream, and to try to let your child’s skin get as much exposure to air as possible, without a diaper.  That is because Candida Albicans does not do well in fresh air, and avoiding the moist, clammy environment in your child’s diaper is the best way to fight it naturally.

If you are breast feeding, and your child has oral thrush, then you should seek treatment for yourself too, in the form of anti fungal medications, as there’s a good chance you will get the infection from your child.  At the same time, make sure that any feeding equipment, bottles, teats, and pacifiers are all properly sterilised between each use, to prevent re-infection.

Remember that because your child’s immune system is not properly formed yet, he or she cannot fight off this kind of infection alone, and that you will need to help your child to fight off the yeast growth by using medications and hygiene practices.