Nothing can match the feeling of seeing your little bundle of joy for the first time. However, caring for newborns, bathing them, breastfeeding, and watching out for unusual signs might be too overwhelming for the first-time mother. It’s important to follow the instructions of a pediatrician in Navi Mumbai to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Below, we’ve curated a detailed guide on the types of newborn care that every mother should know.
Basic Physical Care
Your baby doesn’t need daily bathing, at least not until the stump falls off. Bathe them once or twice a week with warm water and gentle soap. Make sure you support their head and neck when bathing them. Do not insert anything into their ears. Do not touch the stump or apply any pressure on it. It should fall off automatically.
In the first few weeks, you may have to change your baby’s diapers 8-10 times. Make sure you check their diapers often. Change them when they appear wet or are soiled. Wipe the area (front to back) gently with a damp cloth or gentle baby wipes.
Feeding and Sleep Patterns
An important change in a new mom’s life is establishing a feeding routine. Here’s what you should know about different feeding options.
Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding
Most mothers attempt to initiate breastfeeding as soon as their babies are born. The milk produced right after childbirth is called colostrum, a thick yellowish liquid that’s full of nutrients and antibodies. It improves your child’s digestion and prevents the risk of infection.
While breastmilk is perfect for your baby, mothers who can’t breastfeed due to medical reasons or those who choose not to breastfeed can feed their babies formula milk. It’s packed with the nutrients your baby needs to grow. Your newborn will demand a feed every 2-3 hours.
Sleep Patterns and Routines
The biggest challenge for new moms is establishing their newborn’s bedtime routine. Babies’ sleep habits almost never align with those of their mothers. Your baby might be awake when you are asleep and sleep when you are up. It may be harder to build their sleep routine initially.
So, it’s best to sleep when they are asleep. Typically, newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day, but not at once. Give them a warm bath, dim your room’s lights, and sing them a soft song to put them to sleep at night.
Health and Medical Care
All babies go through screenings after birth, even the healthy ones. You also need to take them to the children’s hospital in Navi Mumbai for vaccination. Vaccines protect them from hepatitis, polio, DTP, and Hib. Your baby doesn’t need medical attention for minor issues, like gas or colic. Here’s when you should take them to a pediatrician:
- High fever
- Refusal to eat
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest retractions
- Rash that seems to be spreading all over their bodies
If anything seems off, it’s best to call your pediatrician. It’s also important to take care of yourself to stay healthy.