Newborn ailments: Wheezing, Hiccups, Spitting Up, Colic, and Thrush explained

Your newborn's body is adjusting to life outside the womb—and that takes time. Their respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems are still maturing. In the meantime, a few common conditions are totally normal, even if they look or sound concerning. Here's what to expect and how to help.

WHISTLING AND NASAL CONGESTION

A stuffy or runny nose, noisy breathing, or light snoring in a newborn is usually caused by residual amniotic fluid or milk in the nasal passages. Because newborns breathe exclusively through their nose, congestion can hinder feeding and sleep—even if it's not serious.

How to help:

• Use saline or seawater nasal drops to moisturize and thin mucus.
• Gently clean the nose with a nasal aspirator.
• Place your baby on their stomach during supervised awake times.
• Ventilate the room and use a humidifier if the air is dry.

Consult a doctor if breathing difficulties worsen, if wheezing persists, or if your baby develops a fever or diarrhea.

HICCUPS

Hiccups occur when the baby swallows too much air during feeding, or when they are cold—both situations stimulate an immature diaphragm. It is common for newborns to have hiccups several times a day, sometimes for an hour. Uncomfortable, but harmless.

How to help:

• Offer the breast or bottle—sucking and swallowing can reset the diaphragm.
• Dress your baby more warmly if they seem cold (a cold neck or dry skin on the back of the neck are signs—cold hands and feet alone are normal in newborns).
• Place them on their stomach or gently pat their back. If hiccups last for several hours or occur constantly, consult your doctor—prolonged hiccups can sometimes signal reflux or other underlying conditions.

SPITTING UP

Spitting up is very common during the first six months. It occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle between the stomach and esophagus—is still immature and allows small amounts of milk to come back up. The milk often looks lumpy or like cottage cheese because it has been partially digested—this is normal.

How to help:

• Give smaller amounts more often.
• Always burp your baby after feeding.
• Keep your baby in an upright position for a short time after meals.
• Never lay your baby flat on their back immediately after feeding—if they spit up in this position, there is a risk of choking.

Spitting up usually resolves as the digestive system matures and when solid foods are introduced. If your baby is spitting up large amounts, seems distressed, or is not gaining weight, talk to your pediatrician—reflux may require treatment.

COLIC

Colic generally affects babies aged around 3 weeks to 3–4 months. During an episode, your baby may cry intensely, arch their back, pull their legs to their stomach, and be very difficult to calm. It often peaks in the evening and can last for hours. About half of babies experience colic—you are not alone.

The cause is usually the immaturity of the digestive and nervous systems. In some cases, a cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance may be a factor.

How to help:

• Hold your baby on their stomach along your forearm, applying gentle pressure to their abdomen.
• Gently massage their tummy in a clockwise direction.
• Try a warm bath or a warm compress on the tummy.
• Offer a mild infusion suitable for infants (such as fennel or chamomile).

Colic resolves on its own. However, if your baby cries after every meal, consult your doctor to rule out an allergy or other cause.

THRUSH

White or grayish-white patches inside your baby's cheeks, on the tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth that don't wipe away are likely oral thrush—a fungal infection caused by Candida. Babies can get it during birth, from hands, a pacifier, or from a breastfeeding mother with a yeast infection on the nipple. It can make feeding uncomfortable and cause fussiness.

Thrush sometimes goes away on its own, but if it persists, your pediatrician will prescribe antifungal treatment—usually a gel or drops applied directly to the mouth.