{"id":90949,"date":"2021-10-22T09:27:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T15:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=90949"},"modified":"2021-12-09T13:35:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T19:35:59","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-thrush-in-babies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/first-year-of-life\/what-you-need-to-know-about-thrush-in-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Thrush in Babies"},"content":{"rendered":"
Thrush is an oral yeast infection that develops in your child\u2019s mouth. It causes little white or yellowish bumps to form on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth and sometimes in their diaper area. Thrush bumps usually go away with treatment.<\/p>\n
Thrush is the most common oral fungal infection suffered by infants and children. Thrush is a type of yeast called Candida albicans and while the infection is typically mild and rarely causes serious problems, it is very uncomfortable for your little one.<\/p>\n
Researchers aren\u2019t sure why, but it\u2019s likely because a newborn has a weaker immune system and can\u2019t yet fight infections well.<\/p>\n
That would explain why oral thrush often follows a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce the levels of healthy bacteria in our bodies, and this means fungi have an easier time growing. Oral thrush can also occur after the use of steroid medicines.<\/p>\n
Did you have a vaginal yeast infection when you were expecting? If so, your baby could have picked up Candida during your pregnancy, delivery or from breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
Look in your baby\u2019s mouth. Do you see any white patches or sores on their tongue, gums, and\/or the inside of their mouth? Other thrush symptoms:<\/p>\n
Now check baby\u2019s diaper area. Do they have a stubborn rash with red dots? This could be thrush.<\/p>\n
Thrush infection can be passed between mom\u2019s nipples and baby\u2019s mouth during breastfeeding. How can you tell if you have thrush on your nipples:<\/p>\n
If you suspect your baby might have oral thrush, have your doctor take a look. If you\u2019re breastfeeding, both of you will need antifungal treatments.<\/p>\n
For oral thrush, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication (drops or a gel) containing nystatin, which must be spread on the tongue and inside the mouth a few times a day for 10 days. The easiest way to do this is to use a sponge applicator to paint on the solution.<\/p>\n
If thrush is affecting your baby\u2019s diaper area or scalp, you may be able to use over-the-counter antifungals. Again, your doctor will make a recommendation.<\/p>\n
Candida<\/em>\u00a0is very contagious. That\u2019s because it\u2019s a dimorphic fungus, meaning that it can switch between being a yeast or a mold depending on the temperature.<\/p>\n When breastfeeding be sure to:<\/p>\n Talk to your doctor about an effective probiotic. The American Pregnancy Association recommends Nordic Naturals\u2019 Baby\u2019s Nordic Flora Probiotic Powder<\/a>. It\u2019s safe for babies 6+ months. Nordic Naturals offers other probiotic supplements<\/a> to help balance vaginal flora and support urinary tract health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Thrush is an oral yeast infection that develops in your child\u2019s mouth. It causes little white or yellowish bumps to form on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth and sometimes in their diaper area. Thrush bumps usually go away with treatment. Thrush is the most common oral fungal infection suffered by infants […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":956,"featured_media":90966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[81],"tags":[],"faq-categories":[8401],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPrevention tips to help\u00a0your baby avoid thrush:<\/h4>\n
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