Can Babies get Candida Infections?
Unfortunately, yes babies can and do get Candida yeast infection. It is commonly called oral thrush and roughly 1 in 7 babies develop it. It generally affects babies up to 10 months old, but older infants can get thrush too. Candida yeast infection can also be mistaken as nappy or diaper rash.
What Causes Candida in Babies?
Candida is yeast that is present in our gut. Yeasts are naturally present in all of us, but only become a problem when the bodies natural balance becomes disturbed and the yeast goes through a period of overgrowth causing infection. Yeast infections thrive in warm damp environments, and the babies mouth and nappy area are ideal breeding grounds.
There are many reasons why the natural balance of yeast in the baby can be disturbed; most often it is following taking antibiotics to treat another illness. It can also be passed from the mother if she is breast feeding and has yeast infection present on her nipples. Often, as with adults, the cause may not be immediately apparent.
Yeast infection in the nappy/diaper area can be triggered by wet or soiled nappies. This can be prolonged by the use of plastic pants which do not allow moisture to escape.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Candida infection in the babies mouth shows as a white to yellow coating or spots on the tongue, inside the cheeks or on the gums. This coating can not be easily wiped off and gentle scraping will cause the area to bleed. Babies with severe oral thrush may find sucking painful and refuse to feed or drool excessively.
In the nappy area, the yeast infection appears as a dark red rash that has an almost shiny appearance. Usually the rash appears in the folds or creases of skin.
Treating Candida Infection in your Baby
Oral Infection
Many cases last only a few days and clear without any treatment. After feeding wipe the babies mouth with a damp cloth to remove traces of milk. Giving your baby a small amount of purified water after a milk feed helps remove milk traces left in the mouth. If the baby still shows signs of oral thrush after 2 or 3 days, seek advice from your Doctor or pediatrician.
Nappy Rash
Keep the area clean and dry, changing the nappy frequently. Where possible let the baby go nappy free. Use moisture resistant barrier cream. If the rash is not clearing seek medical advice.
Keeping Candida in Check
The Candida yeast is very hardy and it often reoccurs. Good hygiene is essential to prevent re-infection or prolonging the original infection.
- Sterilise your babies bottles, teats, dummies, mouth/chew toys regularly
- Wash your hands after changing nappies and diapers.
- If you are breast feeding wash nursing bras and pads in hot water. Add vinegar to the rinse to help kill the yeast. Make sure you do a second rinse to remove traces of vinegar which can be irritating to the skin.
- Baking soda is a good natural treatment for yeast infection. Use a paste of baking soda and apply it to your nipples if you breast feed to help prevent cross infection. Rinse it off before breastfeeding
Can I Still Breastfeed?
Yes, breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. With good hygiene you can stop any cross contamination of the yeast infection.
Candida yeast infections can cause a whole range of health issues. More information about candida and natural treatments is available at http://www.yeastfreetoday.info. Visit now and download our free candida guide!
