You notice white patches inside your baby’s mouth that do not wipe away, and feeds seem uncomfortable. That may be oral thrush, a common yeast infection in young babies. Thrush in babies is usually mild and easy to treat, but it can pass between your baby’s mouth and a breastfeeding parent’s nipples. Here is how to spot it and what helps.
Quick answer: thrush in babies
- Caused by Candida yeast, which lives naturally in the mouth and gut.
- Looks like: white or creamy patches on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks or roof of the mouth that do not wipe off easily.
- Treated with antifungal gel or drops from your doctor or pharmacist.
- Breastfeeding parents may need treatment at the same time.
Thrush or milk residue?
Milk coating usually sits only on the tongue and wipes away easily with a clean, damp cloth. Thrush patches appear in several places, do not wipe off easily and may leave red areas underneath if rubbed.
Other signs
- fussiness or pulling off during feeds
- a clicking sound while feeding
- a yeast nappy rash at the same time. See fungal rashes in babies
- in breastfeeding parents: sore, shiny, cracked or itchy nipples, or deep breast pain after feeds
Treatment
- See your doctor or pharmacist to confirm thrush.
- Use antifungal gel or drops, such as miconazole or nystatin, as directed, often after feeds.
- Continue treatment for a few days after symptoms clear.
- Treat the breastfeeding parent too if they have symptoms.
- Sterilise dummies, teats and breast pump parts daily.
Preventing thrush
- wash hands before feeds and after nappy changes
- sterilise bottles and dummies
- change breast pads often
- let nipples air-dry after feeds
For breastfeeding support, see a good breastfeeding latch.
When to talk to your doctor
- your baby is feeding much less or has fewer wet nappies
- thrush that does not improve after a week of treatment
- thrush that keeps coming back
- thrush in a baby older than 12 months, or with other illness
- fever, or your baby seems unwell
Frequently asked questions
Is thrush painful for babies?
Some babies are fine; others find feeding sore.
Can I keep breastfeeding with thrush?
Yes. Keep feeding while you both have treatment.
Why did my baby get thrush?
Young babies’ immune systems are still developing. Antibiotics can also make thrush more likely.
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Sources
- NHS: Oral thrush in babies; Breastfeeding and thrush
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Thrush and Other Candida Infections
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think your baby has thrush, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.