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The First-Year Health Handbook: Rashes, Fevers, Colic, Teething & Every “Is This Normal?” Moment

Research-supported; mum-of-three observations — not medical advice.


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The first year of parenthood comes with a lot of love… and a lot of Googling. One minute your baby’s fine, the next you’re analysing every rash, cry, sneeze and sneeze-adjacent noise like you’re doing a medical exam.


Take a breath. So many baby health concerns look dramatic but are extremely normal — and the ones that do need attention usually have clear signs.


Here’s your practical guide to the most common health worries in the first 12 months: what’s typical, what’s worth watching, and when it’s time to call for help.


Rashes: The Drama Queens of Baby Health


Babies get rashes the way adults get emails — constantly and usually without invitation.


Common, Harmless Rashes:

  • Erythema Toxicum (newborn rash) Looks scary, isn’t scary. Red blotches with white/yellow bumps. Very normal.

  • Baby Acne Hormone-related. Clears on its own.

  • Heat Rash Small red bumps in warm weather or overdressing.

  • Drool Rash Caused by… drool. No surprises there.


When to Get Help:

  • Rash with a fever

  • Rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass on it

  • Rash with swelling, breathing issues or baby seems unwell

  • Rapidly spreading red or purple rash


If something looks off, trust your gut and call 111 or your GP.


Fevers: The One That Sparks Panic

A fever is a temperature over 38°C in babies. But here’s the twist: fever itself isn’t dangerous — it’s a sign the body is fighting something.


Likely Causes:

  • Viruses

  • Teething (mild temperature rise, but not typically a high fever)

  • Post-vaccination reactions


When to Get Help (NHS Guidance):

  • Baby under 3 months with a fever of 38°C or above

  • Baby 3–6 months with a fever of 39°C or above

  • Fever lasting more than 5 days

  • Baby seems unusually floppy, drowsy or distressed

  • Signs of dehydration (fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle)


You’re never wasting anyone’s time by checking.


Colic & Reflux: The Exhausting Duo


Colic

Crying for no clear reason, especially in the evenings, for:

  • More than 3 hours a day

  • At least 3 days a week

  • For 3+ weeks

Common between 2–12 weeks.


What helps:

  • Holding baby upright

  • Babywearing

  • White noise

  • Rocking and motion

  • Breaks (for you — essential, not optional)


Reflux

Frequent spit-up. Very normal. Silent reflux happens without visible vomiting — signs are fussiness, back-arching, discomfort during feeds.


When to get help:

  • Baby isn’t gaining weight

  • Vomit is green, bloody, or projectile

  • Baby seems in pain at every feed


Teething: Cute Teeth, Chaotic Week

Not all symptoms blamed on teething are teething, but real signs include:

  • Chewing everything

  • Red cheeks

  • Drooling

  • Irritability

  • Swollen or tender gums

  • Slight rise in temperature (not a high fever)

Teething goes in waves, not straight lines. Sometimes it’s one tooth. Sometimes it’s four. Sometimes it’s just vibes.


Coughs, Colds & General Sniffles

Babies can have up to 8 colds a year — their immune system is learning on the job.

When to seek help:

  • Breathing seems unusual

  • Ribs sucking in

  • Blue lips

  • Persistent wheezing

  • Fever that worries you

  • Reduced feeding or fewer wet nappies


Colds themselves are common — breathing difficulties are never something to ignore.


Constipation & Poos (A Surprisingly Popular Topic)


Breastfed babies

Can go several days or even a week between poos. Totally normal.

Formula-fed babies

Usually poo more regularly — daily or every other day.

When to seek help:

  • Hard, pellet-like poos

  • Consistent straining

  • Baby in pain

  • Blood in stool


When to ALWAYS Seek Immediate Help (NHS Red Flags)

Call 999 or go to A&E if baby has:

  • Blue, pale or mottled skin

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Unresponsiveness or unusual drowsiness

  • Rash that doesn’t fade under a glass

  • A seizure

  • A very high or very low temperature

  • Signs of dehydration that are worsening

It is always better to go in.


Local Health Support (Farnborough & Surrounding Areas)


Health Visitors

Your first port of call for:

  • Weight concerns

  • Feeding issues

  • Rashes, constipation, colic

  • Sleep and routine questions

Teams available across:

  • Farnborough

  • Fleet

  • Aldershot

  • Guildford

  • Woking

  • Camberley


GP Practices

Great for ongoing concerns, rashes, fevers, allergies, and general checks.


Urgent Care

  • Aldershot Urgent Care Centre

  • Frimley Park Hospital

  • Royal Surrey County Hospital Open for emergencies, illness, injuries.

111 Online & Phone

Ideal for symptom checking and knowing where to go.

In Short

You don’t need to be medically trained to keep your baby healthy — you just need clear information, a calm space to think, and access to support when you need it.

Most concerns in the first year are temporary, normal and dramatic-looking. But your peace of mind matters as much as the symptoms.

You’re doing the right thing by checking. You’re doing better than you think.


References (All Verified, UK-Based)



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