Thrush is an oral yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is usually not painful and often disappears by itself. White patches appear in your baby’s mouth, especially inside the lips and cheeks. These patches do not disappear when rubbed.
What to do?
You can see a doctor. He or she will decide whether it is necessary to prescribe oral drops for your baby.
To prevent thrush from coming back, sterilize objects that come into contact with your baby’s mouth (bottle nipples, pacifiers, rattles) in boiling water (see Cleaning bottles, nipples and breast pumps) and replace them regularly.
Candida albicans is easily passed from your baby’s mouth to your breasts during breastfeeding. If you feel symptoms in your breasts (see Nipple Thrush and Thrush in the Breast), see a health professional.