One of the most exciting times of your life is when you welcome a new baby into this world. However, it is also one of the most overwhelming and nerve-wracking times. This is particularly true for first-time parents. You want to ensure that your newborn baby is always healthy. However, it is important to understand that there are a few common conditions that newborn babies often experience. As a general rule, these are nothing to concern yourself with, but you should be familiar with the symptoms so you know whether you need to call a pediatrician.

Condition #1: Blocked Tear Ducts

Blocked tear ducts are completely harmless, but babies are sometimes born with a blocked tear duct or two. Sometimes the tear ducts are only partially blocked, and other times they are completely blocked. As a general rule, the tear ducts will open within a couple of weeks. Signs of a blocked tear duct is sticky mucus in the corner of your baby's eye and water tearing. If it doesn't seem like the ducts are opening on their own, your pediatrician may recommend that you gently massage the inner corner of your infant's eye.

Condition #2: Jaundice

Have you noticed that you baby's skin has a slight yellowish tint to it? Generally, it starts on the face, and then it begins to slowly spread down the body. In order to test to determine whether it is jaundice, you will want to press your finger down on your baby's thigh, forehead, or nose and see if the skin appears yellow.

More often than not, this particular condition will correct itself in just a few days. However, you should know that it could get worse before it actually gets better. Of course, if it doesn't get better after several days, phone your pediatrician so that a blood test can be performed. If your newborn's bilirubin level is too high and treatment doesn't occur, his or her nervous system could be damaged. Treatment is generally lying underneath special fluorescent-like lights for a couple of days.

Condition #3: Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is known as a condition that occurs after skin cells shed and build up on the scalp. The area is often red and appears scaly due to the shedding of the skin cells. In order to treat cradle cap, you simply need to use a mild baby shampoo and wash your baby's head more frequently than you usually would. You can remove the scales from the scalp by softly brushing the area. If this doesn't seem to be working, then you can talk to your pediatrician, as he or she may be able to prescribe a special ointment or shampoo.