9 Useful Tips for Healthy Newborn Care

By Dr. Ankita Chandna in Obstetrics And Gynaecology

Jun 09 , 2016 | 2 min read

Are you worried about safeguarding health and overall development of your newborn? Do you know how youshould be preparing a disease-free environment for your baby? As a parent, a crying healthy baby is all what is expected and desired. Apart from the special care you provide, there are some salient points which you should keep in mind while nursing your little ones. These useful and hygienic tips will prevent your baby from falling ill more often and you will be able to enjoy your baby’s good heath and immunity.

--You should frequently breast feed your baby and not feed with them with solids in the first six months.

--Do not feed your little ones with prelacteal feed. For instance, we prefer to give honey as the first feed to our babies, which should be strongly condemned since it can lead to botulism which is a fatal illness.

--Body temperature of your babies should be maintained by appropriate clothing and by keeping them in adequate room temperature of 26-28 degrees C. Hands and feet should always be warm to touch. If hands and feet are cold to touch and your baby is centrally warm then hands and feet should be properly covered and doctor should be consulted.

--Always stay close to your baby. It enhances the bond and affection and will take away your postpartum pain. Moreover, continuous breast feeding will also prevent your child from infection.

--Try to nurse your baby on their back for the first six months. Don’t keep them on their tummy as it may lead to sudden death. Also, avoid applying anything on the cord.

--Do not panic if your baby appears yellow in the first week because approximately 60% of healthy babies have jaundice initially and only 20% end up receiving treatment in form of phototherapy. So jaundice (yellowish of skin) should be adequately monitored by regular visits.

--Provide your baby with a daily dose of Vitamin D of 400 IU in first year of life. Try to postpone bath for at least 24 – 48 hours till the time feeds are established and your baby attains a normal body temperature.

--As a responsible parent, do not forget to change your baby’s diapers at regular intervals and prevent from having a severe diaper rash.

--Ensure that your baby is vaccinated with BCG, Hepatitis B and oral polio at birth or before getting discharged from the hospital. Visitors should be minimized in first few days of life and anyone handling the baby should wash their hands with soap and water before touching baby. Monitor the growth of your baby by following up visits with your doctor.

--You should be aware of some danger signs like if the baby is not feeding well, not passing urine frequently (i.e. 6-8 times in 24 hours) or is persistently throwing up feeds, has yellow hands and feet, activities of the child is less or any abnormal signs, the child should be immediately bought to the hospital at the earliest. If you notice any skin lesions or excessive eye discharge please contact your health personnel.

--Although majority of babies are born at full time, 10-15% of these babies are born earlier at a time (we call them as premature babies) when their organs are not prepared to function fully on their own and they need some support. They are at risk of some problems like Breathing and feeding difficulties which merits their care in specialized neonatal ICUs.