Newborn care is essential to prevent the risk of illness and to ensure proper growth and development in the initial days of a newborn baby. Breast milk, warm environment, normal breathing, infection control, optimal hygiene are some prerequisites of neonatal care.
Apart from this, the first step towards a healthy newborn is nutrition to the mother, medical assistance during labor and childbirth, proper infection control, special care for complications during pregnancy. These are primary components that will be vital for the safety and survival of the newborn baby. Here are some important baby care tips that every new parents should follow:
1. Immediate care of newborn: For new parents, it is always taken out to figure out things on their own. In a hospital nurses, hospital staff, lactation consultants help mothers with feeding and baby care during initial hours.
Relatives and friends also extend help through their experiences. Do have a visiting schedule for guests. It will ensure enough time for the newborn baby to settle down in new surroundings, develop sleeping and feeding patterns as well as rest for the mother.
Some babies require special attention after birth and end up in the neonatal Intensive care unit. (NICU)
- Neonatal care: Neonate refers to the young born baby in the first 28 days. neonatal care it's special care for babies born prematurely, having low birth weight, or suffering from a medical condition after birth. Units that provide care for such babies are called neonatal units.
2. Essential newborn care protocol: The caregivers of the baby should maintain proper hygiene.
3. Connect with your baby: Touch and love can help your baby grow emotionally. A newborn baby starts recognizing the warmth of parents, responds to your presence. Breastfeeding helps you form a special bond with your baby in the initial hours after birth.
Breastfeeding is the ultimate gift for your neonatal baby, and you can start it immediately after your delivery. Breast milk is also called colostrum. It contains antibodies called immunoglobulins which are passed from mother to baby through a special protein. Breast milk contains immunoglobulin IgA, IgM, and IgG.
Newborn babies with breastfeeding have a lower risk of developing allergies, eczema, asthma, childhood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, respiratory illness, speech, and orthodontic problems. After each breastfeeding, keep the baby upright for 10 mins or until it burps.
Swaddling works extremely well for babies during their first few weeks. New parents should learn swaddling techniques for the extra care of their newborn. When babies are adapting to new surroundings it provides baby warmth and a sense of security. It does not allow movement of hands and legs, so the baby’s sleep does not get disturbed. It prevents movement due to the Startle reflex. (reaction to loud noise by newborns)
4. Baby bath: Vernix is a white, creamy biofilm that covers the neonatal skin during the last trimester. This coating facilitates protection and care to newborn skin and extrauterine adaptation in the first postneonatal week.
It covers the skin of a baby at the time of delivery and is absorbed within 24 hours. Sometimes it takes 5 to 6 days to shed completely, do not be in a hurry to remove it by rubbing or applying lotion.
Frequent bathing is not required in the first few months. It may remove essential oils from the body and leave the skin dry. The dryness can lead to eczema or dermatitis.
After delivery, a sponge bath 3 to 4 times a week is sufficient for the first month. The baby is not getting dirty unless drools and poops. Gently cleaning that area with a soft cloth will ensure hygiene.
The umbilical cord stump gets dry and falls off within one to three weeks after birth. In the meantime, keep the area dry, and clean it very gently. Ensure dryness of the stump after each diaper change, wipe with a cotton swab as directed by your doctors.
5. Crying in Newborns: Crying is the main form of communication in babies. Nobody but you better relate to a crying baby, whether it is due to wetness, hunger, or colic pain.
Stool-related problems are very common in newborn babies. Constipation and gases can cause colic pain in babies, and they become extremely cranky.
Colic is a problem of unknown etiology that affects babies during the initial three to four months. It causes colic pain that lasts for several hours and the baby cries excessively for a long time. It starts at three weeks of age, and it is a stressful and frustrating condition for parents. Colic results in bloating and belly cramps or gases.
Baby’s skin is sensitive and 40 to 60 times thinner than an adult's skin. Babies’ immune systems are not fully developed and they are more prone to infections.
New-born babies easily develop rashes from chemicals, dyes, synthetic clothes, and diapers. Skin dryness, soreness, and itching can cause discomfort to your baby.
6. Diaper hygiene: Diaper dermatitis and yeast infections are common problems of diaper use. Proper care of your newborn should be taken when using diapers. Tight and wet diapers lead to sweating during humid weather and cause infection of the perineal areas. Diapers should be checked and removed frequently to prevent diaper rashes. Apply a nappy rash cream every time to avoid breakouts. Alcohol-free wet wipes should be used to clean the diaper area.
Cotton diapers are best for baby skin, if possible, the neonatal baby should be kept diaper-free.
7. Skin care in Newborn :
Always follow a Cloth rule: Wash every new baby's clothes and ensure softness. Use cotton clothes preferably which are gentle against baby skin, airy, and breathable. Soft and dye-free baby detergents should be used to wash baby clothes. Wash babies’ clothes, cloth diapers, bedding, blankets separately. Clothes should be properly dry before wearing. The baby should be kept warm with a light sweater during cold weather due to the monsoon.
Oil massage: Massaging babies is a traditional and time-tested technique used for its multitude of benefits in every Indian household. Massaging provides moisture to the skin, improves skin texture, and strengthens the muscles.
Baby products: Using certified and trusted products will ensure the baby’s safety. Scented soaps, shampoos, and detergents should not be used in the initial months.
For bathing a gentle soap preferably mild and with natural elements will be beneficial for baby skin. Natural elements make the skin supple and hydrated. Almond oil moisturizes the skin and olive oil provides nourishment to the skin. Use a good moisturizer for your infant. These are some newborn care tips on infant care after birth at home
Parenting is challenging, baby care puts enormous pressure on new parents. It is a 24/7 responsibility. These are some important points of newborn care, it will help you.
