Thrush is an infection in the mouth caused by a type of germ called Candida albicans. Babies with thrush have white patches in their mouth. The patches may cause discomfort and make the baby not want to suck or eat.

In healthy babies who are feeding well, health care providers may wait to see if the thrush goes away on its own. If needed, there is medicine that can treat thrush.

Here's how to care for your baby.

• If prescribed, use the medicine as directed by your health care provider. Don't stop giving the medicine early, even if the thrush is better, because it could come back.
• Follow your health care provider's advice for cleaning bottle nipples, pacifiers, baby cups, and toothbrushes. They may recommend that you wash them with soap and water, run them through the dishwasher, or boil them after each use.
• You can continue breastfeeding as usual. But be sure to talk to your health care provider about whether you need treatment to prevent the infection from passing back and forth between you and your baby.

Your baby:

• Has thrush lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Isn't feeding or eating as usual
• Has thrush that comes back after it went away
• Gets a diaper rash

What causes thrush? Candida albicans (the germ that causes thrush) lives in the mouth and doesn't usually cause any problems. But if too much of it grows, it can lead to thrush.

Who gets thrush? Thrush is especially common in babies younger than 6 months old. Older kids who are on antibiotics, who have diabetes, or whose immune systems are weakened by illness or some types of medicines also can get it.

Is thrush contagious? Thrush isn't usually contagious, although a breastfeeding mother whose infant has thrush may get a yeast infection around her nipple that causes redness and soreness.