How To Get Rid Of Baby Thrush

6 remedies to get rid of baby thrush and a note on when to call the doctor

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One minute your baby happy and the skin in the diaper area looks great; the next he's sad and red...

With my first baby, I had no idea what thrush was, and it was my baby's healthcare provider that told me to watch out.

Many babies develop a light form of this infection during their first months of living. It is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which we all have in our bodies.

However, if it grows if can result in different infections of which baby thrush is a common one.

Look at the picture to the right for a very mild version.

In many cases no treatment is needed. However, while uncommon the thrush can spread through the baby's body and cause a diaper rash. Also, your baby can get a sore mouth.

And for mom, if the fungus spreads to your nipples and into the milk ducts it can hurt badly.

If either mom or baby have disturbing symptoms, go to a doctor. If the fungus is not very spread you can try any of several home remedies or alternative cures.

Gentian violet

Some lactation consultants recommend applying gentian violet to your baby's mouth. Gentian violet is a dye that will stain anything it comes in contact with.

Buy the Gential Violet 1% solution. (Not 2% which is also often available.) You can find the dye at many drugstores or order it from the pharmacy. Use a cotton swab to coat the inside of your baby's mouth.

It is easier if you ask someone to help you hold your baby when you apply the gentian violet. Also undress your baby and make sure that you are not near anything that might be destroyed from a few stains.

Apply the dye once or twice per day for up to three days.

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Sodium bicarbonate

Something a lot easier to apply is water which contains sodium bicarbonate. Buy carbonated soda water, such as Club Soda, but check that the water really does contain sodium bicarbonate.

Otherwise blend 0,5 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (bought in any drugstore) in 0.4 cups (1 dl) of plain water.

Again use a cotton swab to coat the inside of your baby's mouth. You should do this after every breastfeeding (if you breastfeed) or as often as you have the energy to do it. I can tell you I certainly did not do it a night with my children and the baby thrush disappeared anyway.

Coat your nipples too, that may help the fungus go away faster.

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Fresh lingon berry jam

Yes, lingon berry jam can also be used, if you can find it. Personally I prefer the sodium bicarbonate treatment, because lingon berry jam has such a strong taste. Seems a bit tough for a baby who has never tasted anything but breast milk or formula.

Treat you baby the same way as if you use sodium bicarbonated water.

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Wash toys, pacifiers and breast pumps

To avoid new infections, make sure to wash your baby's toys, pacifiers and bottles. Best is if you sterilize them in boiling water for at least five minutes or if you use an electric steam sterilizer. The same goes for the breast pump parts that might be infected.

If you want to be very thorough, you should sterilize all these things after every use while your baby's treatment is going on. This is of course the best.

I confess, I didn't! And it worked anyway. But then, my children only had quite mild attacks of thrush.

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Eat lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is bacteria that can help keep yeast in check. Eat yogurt that contains these live bacteria cultures or take them in pills.

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Air-dry your nipples

Yeast fungus love moist, warmth and sugar. Stop the fungus from growing on your nipples by washing them and letting them air-dry after breastfeeding as often as you can.

I know, it looks very funny to walk around with bare nipples, but it is worth it! Just make sure to tug your sweater down before answering the doorbell...

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If it hurts - call the doctor!

If you suspect thrush and breastfeeding starts to hurt, call a doctor. If the fungus has spread into your milk ducts, you will have to medicate to get rid of it!

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