Parents, especially new parents, hate seeing their babies suffer. Plus, with all the warnings about over-the-counter medications and children under the age of 4, parents of infants are often confused. What’s safe? What’s effective? How can you ease common symptoms in your baby?
Let us know how we take care of newborn babies;
Around 24 million babies are born in India. The weight of a normal baby is from 2.6 to 3.2 kg. there are two important things that new born baby needs.
Mother’s Milk: This helps the baby fight against infection, pneumonia, and diarrhoea; therefore, breastfeeding is really important. When a baby is born, it’s important that he/she gets breastfed within 30 minutes of birth. Always breastfeed a newborn baby every three hours. For the initial 6 months, it’s essential that the baby is only on the mother’s milk. Mothers should not be following any traditional practices such as feeding baby water, honey or gripe water.
Washing hands While you are holding your baby it’s mandatory that you wash your hands every time you are holding your baby. as there is hight infection risk and babies have really low immunity.
Other Important Things To Take Care Of The Newborn:
Do not bathe your baby initially for 5-6 days. Just wipe the baby rather than bathe. Wait for the umbilical cord to detach, and later, you can bathe your baby. as bathing a newborn baby puts them at high risk of infections.
Do not use soap, lotions or oil on the baby for the initial days. After a month or so, slowly, you can use them on the baby.
Initially, babies’ weight is 5-7% less. For example, if the baby’s weight at the time he/she is born is around 3kg, then it may be 5-6 days, and it may weigh 2.8 or 2.9kg. Parents didn’t need to worry, as doctors call it, about physiological weight loss, but it is important that after 7 days, the baby’s weight should be the same as birth weight. If the baby does not have the same weight as the birth weight by day 10 then it’s necessary that the parents should consult their doctor.
As the baby drinks milk every three hours, it should urinate 6-10 times a day, which indicates that the baby is having enough milk.
Do not get panic over things like bowel movement of baby, or if baby cries or baby has gas as they are normal things.
You Should Only Consult A Doctor When
Babies body temperature is higher than normal.
Baby has difficulty in breathing.
The colour of the baby’s skin is blue or white.
Baby is showing the symptoms of jaundice (skin colour turned yellow )
The baby’s bowel movement shows some blood, or if the baby is vomiting blood.
Baby has a bloated stomach, the baby is getting fits
Baby is losing weight
If you can see the above symptoms in your baby then consult a paediatrician or newborn specialist.
FAQs
What are the key essentials for newborn care? Feeding, sleeping, hygiene, and regular pediatric checkups are crucial for a newborn’s well-being.
How often should I feed my newborn? Newborns typically need feeding every 2-3 hours or on demand.
How can I ensure proper hygiene for my baby? Use mild soaps, clean diapers frequently, and sterilise feeding bottles thoroughly.
What is the recommended sleeping position for newborns? Place your baby on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
When should I call the doctor for my newborn? Signs like fever, poor feeding, or unusual crying require immediate medical attention.
