Oral thrush is a common newborn and infant ailment caused by yeast that grows in and around a baby's mouth. Oral thrush usually occurs in infants younger than 6 months, who present with cottage cheese-type patches on their lips, mouth roof, tongue, and inner cheeks. Enabled by a weakened or immature immune system as well as by breastfeeding, most oral thrush cause only mild symptoms and disappears easily with easy home treatments.
Vinegar Solution
Parents should prepare a solution made from equal parts water and vinegar to rinse pacifiers or toys used to chew or suck. The Mayo Clinic website recommends this solution for rinsing bottle nipples and detachable breast pump parts exposed to breast milk.
Yogurt & Acidophilus
Breastfeeding moms should eat unsweetened yogurt containing acidophilus or take acidophilus supplements to aid in the fight against oral thrush. While these items will not destroy yeast, says the Mayo Clinic, they can help restore "good bacteria" to the body that helps keep yeast growth in check.
There are over-the-counter infant versions of acidophilus capsules designed for babies, parents should check with a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen. Breastfeeding Online recommends parents use one-third the contents of an adult strength acidophilus capsule spread on a wet finger for the baby to suck.
Breastfeeding Prevention
Mothers can keep from passing thrush back and forth to their infant. Allow nipples to air dry between feedings, according to the Womens' Healthcare Topics website, while using disposable breastfeeding pads to prevent the fungus from spreading to your clothes. Mothers who use washable nursing pads should be sure to wash in hot water with bleach.
Antifungal Solution
Doctors often prescribe the antifungal medicine Nystatin to kill the fungus that causes thrush according to Womens' Healthcare Topics. This is particularly true when a baby is showing signs of discomfort when feeding. Parents should squirt Nystatin into their baby's mouth after feedings, and treat larger patches with a cotton swab dipped in Nystatin.
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