Home Your Baby Health & Safety Your five-minute guide to newborn thrush

Your five-minute guide to newborn thrush

By Celia Morgan on April 21st, 2011Share:

Find out how to spot and what to do about newborn thrush…

What is it?

Thrush is a common fungal infection that can affect your baby’s mouth. It usually affects babies during their first two months.

What does it look like?

Look for white patches on the roof of your baby’s mouth, his cheeks and tongue. These patches don’t wipe off.

What causes it?

Thrush is caused by the imbalance of a fungus called Candida albicans, which occur naturally in the vagina or intestinal tract. Your baby can pick the fungus up in the birth canal when he’s born.

Does it hurt my baby?

The white patches in your baby’s mouth can be sore and may bleed. Your baby may not feel like feeding if his mouth is sore.

Can I treat it?

Thrush should clear up within a week but you’ll need to visit your doctor. He’ll probably prescribe an oral fungal cream.