Yeast infections can occur in babies as a result of an overproduction of fungus that are normally found in and on the body. The most common types of yeast infection in babies occur in the diapered area and in the mouth, which is called oral thrush. Treatment consists of using a topical or oral antifungal medication. Various factors can increase a baby's risk of developing a yeast infection.
Ideal Environment
The diapered area is the ideal environment for yeast to grow. Yeast thrives in warm, wet areas. The fungus also feeds off sugars and other particles found in the diapered area, such as urine and feces. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, points out that frequently changing a baby's diaper can reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection because the skin can be kept clean and dry. When a baby has more frequent stools, the likelihood of yeast infection increases for an infant.
Antibiotics
When a baby takes antibiotics, the risk of a yeast infection increases, states MedlinePlus. Antibiotics kill off both good and bad bacteria in the body which can allow the fungus to overproduce. Normally healthy bacteria can keep the fungus under control. Similarly, the KidsHealth website indicates a baby's immature immune system makes him more susceptible to a fungus overgrowth.
Nipple Hygiene
Oral thrush and a yeast infection in the diapered area can occur in breast fed babies for various reasons. A mother who takes antibiotics can develop a yeast infection of the nipples which can be passed to the baby's mouth. Like the diapered area, when the nipples are allowed to be wet yeast can thrive. Oral thrush can cause the baby to swallow the fungus and secrete it in feces, states the BabyCenter website. This in turn can cause a yeast infection of the diapered area when feces is allowed to remain against the skin in a diaper.
MedlinePlus points out that synthetic nipples that are used in bottles can also harbor yeast. When they are not properly disinfected with soap and hot water the baby can ingest the fungus just as she would when breast feeding.
