can turn upside down for a new parent, with sleepless nights and a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment, you feel exhilarated about a new beginning, and the next, you experience anxiety regarding the well-being of your little one. While many fears are unfounded, some risks are more real than you imagine. Even worse, a few unexpected threats may harm a newborn without a warning.
According to CDC statistics, the infant mortality rate in the US was 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020. That is a considerable number for a developed country like America, where parents are educated, and quality medical facilities are available. The risk is the highest during the first month of life, though things may go wrong even later.
As a parent, you must be aware of the potential threats because being forewarned enables you to avert them in the long run. Think beyond the common risks such as infections, falls, and wrong medication because uncommon ones may strike in the most unexpected ways.
Let us explain why every parent should be vigilant about uncommon health risks to newborns.
A Kiss Can Kill
Beware of a friend or family member showering their love on your baby with kisses because a kiss can kill. A couple from Iowa lost their 18-day-old daughter after she contracted viral meningitis when she was hardly a week old. The baby got the fatal herpes virus HSV-1 from a kiss. The story dates back to 2017, but awareness in this context is still lacking.
HSV-1 can result in cold sores. If an adult has them around their lips, they can transmit the virus to others while kissing. Infants are particularly vulnerable because they have no prior immunity. A harmless little kiss can make your baby sick and be fatal for a newborn. Ensuring no one shows their love through close contact is the best way to lower the risk.
Talcum Powder Damage Is Real
Another uncommon health risk for babies comes from something you trust to keep them fresh and dry: talcum powder. The worst part is that most parents use it every day, even several times during a day, exposing their babies to a health risk more than once. Long-term use is linked with grave health risks like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The growing prevalence of the Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit indicates that the risk is beyond the statistical calculations. With more than 40,000 lawsuits filed in recent years, the threat no longer remains a baseless fear for parents. Female babies are particularly at risk as talc particles may travel through the vaginal cavity and cause ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is a threat for both genders.
TorHoerman Law notes that eligibility depends on establishing a link between these diseases and regular exposure to talcum powder. Once victims prove the fact, they can claim compensation from the talc manufacturer to cover their treatment costs, financial damages, and pain and suffering.
Read the Labels of Your Baby’s Formula
Although breastfeeding is regarded as the best for newborns, many women opt for formula feeding due to medical and personal reasons. While the decision is completely personal, parents must realize the unprecedented risks of formula feeding. You cannot take their word because the nutrition claims for most products are not properly substantiated.
Double-checking the labels is crucial because some ingredients are harmful. For example, cow-milk-based formulas lead to a risk of a severe gastrointestinal condition, necrotizing enterocolitis.
NEC can be fatal for premature newborns because their intestines are extremely fragile. Likewise, a formula with excess protein compounds the risk of your baby becoming obese or overweight later. Obesity may trigger several other health conditions in the long run.
Besides checking the ingredients, you must also diligently read and follow the preparation and storage instructions for formula milk. The recent formula shortage spiked the incidence of harmful feeding methods. A survey showed that nearly half of the parents relying on formula to feed their babies during the shortage last year resorted to improper feeding practices, such as using expired or homemade formula and watering it down to make it last longer.
The Bottom Line
Parents want the best for their little ones, from feeding to vaccines, medical care, clothing, and environmental safety. But babies fall sick despite the best care and precautions, mostly due to a lack of awareness. Knowing unexpected risks is your best defense against them. You must practice caution against them and implement effective measures to deal with them. A little extra care can be a lifesaver for your newborn.
