If you see small white patches in your baby's mouth, he or she may have thrush - a common fungal infection.  This may also appear as a white coating on your baby's tongue, particularly after breastfeeding or a bottle, and cannot be wiped off.  Your baby may have a sore mouth and might turn away from a pacifier or bottle.  Since the fungus that causes thrush can also cause diaper rash, you may notice both occurring together.

• If your baby is on an antibiotic, he or she may develop thrush.

• Nipples or pacifiers can cause thrush in your baby.

• Contact with a mother's yeast infection during delivery can cause thrush.

• Objects your baby puts in his or her mouth can cause thrush.

• Your pediatrician will prescribe an anti-fungal medication to treat your child's thrush.  This may be a medicine for the mouth as well as a different medicine for the diaper area.

• Do not use cornstarch or baby powder on your infant's diaper area.

• Sterilize all bottle nipples and pacifiers by boiling them for 15 minutes.  This should be done daily.

• If you are breastfeeding, contact your doctor about your baby's thrush.  You may have passed it to your baby, or your baby may pass it to you.  Both you and your baby must be treated at the same time to cure the thrush.  Your doctor will probably prescribe a baby-safe antifungal cream for your nipples while your baby will have an oral medicine for the mouth.

• If your baby's mouth is sore, he or she may not be getting enough fluids or food.  Contact your pediatrician if your baby is fussy, has fewer wet diapers or has a dry mouth.

• Call your pediatrician if your baby's thrush is not improving within the time limit your doctor describes.