Tips to care for your new-born baby

This blog delves into the basics of caring for your new-born. It’s always a new experience for a parent to deal with a new-born, and I hope this blog helps you understand some common behaviour expected out of a new-born baby. The blog contains details about feeding, sleeping pattern, clothing, and bathing. As a reader, if you have suggestion on other topics you would like me to cover, write to me on poonam145m@gmail.com and I will try my best to address it in my upcoming blogs.

Feeding

Baby should be given only breast feed till the age of 6 months. In case there is some problem with breast feeding or the baby is not getting enough milk consult your pediatrician.

Time

Generally the baby should be fed whenever it demands a feed which is roughly at a frequency of every 2-3 hours. Generally, the baby should be allowed to suck for 10-15 minutes on each side. If the amount of feed is sufficient then the baby should sleep for about 2-3 hours before demanding the next feed. If the baby is sleeping for too long then baby should be woken up and fed.

Don't Use

No water, honey, ghutti or gripe water should be offered.

Post Feed

After feeding hold the baby upright against your chest for 10-15 minutes and pat the back lightly.

Sleeping Pattern

Babies generally sleep for about 16 hours in a day during the first few weeks after birth

They generally sleep during the day and are awake at night. The sleep cycle slowly changes as they grow.

Sleep Training

Do not play at night with the baby. Try to just feed and put the baby to sleep.

Mattress

Use a firm mattress and avoid use of any soft cushions or pillows since, there is a risk of suffocation due the baby's inability to move its head.

Sleeping Posture

Try and make the baby sleep on their back to avoid any risk of suffocation

Clothing

Material

Use soft cotton clothes or soft woolens as a baby's skin is extremely sensitive. No synthetic material should be used for wrapping or covering the baby. Synthetic clothing may lead to rashes on the baby's skin.

Clothing Accessories

Use mittens, socks and cap depending on the weather to ensure a baby is warm.

Nappies

Cotton nappies or diapers can be used but need to be changed frequently to avoid rashes and infection.

Temperature

A room temperature in which the mother feels comfortable and not too hot or cold should be fine for the baby. Try to maintain a temperature of around 26-27 degrees Celsius. Depending on the weather, one may choose to use a fan or the air conditioner.

Bathing

During Bath

It is best to sponge the baby with a soft wet cloth in the initial 2-3 days after birth. Do not pour water directly on the baby’s head. Use a soap recommended by your pediatrician.

Pre/ Post Bath

No talcum powder, kajal should be used. You should avoid massaging oil on the baby in the initial 4-6 weeks. After that any mild baby oil such as olive oil or coconut oil may be used. Avoid using mustard oil as it can be very irritating for the baby's skin.