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🍼 Newborn Care: What Every Parent Should Know
"Because the first 28 days build a lifetime of health"
The arrival of a newborn brings immense joy—and a long list of questions. As a pediatrician, I often meet new parents feeling overwhelmed by the basics of feeding, sleeping, hygiene, and health monitoring.
To make it easier, here's a complete guide to newborn care, based on recommendations from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)—two of the world's most trusted pediatric authorities.
🧡 1. First Few Days: Hospital to Home Transition
According to IAP and AAP:
- Early breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth is strongly recommended.
- Newborns should receive skin-to-skin contact with the mother to regulate temperature, bonding, and feeding.
- A complete physical examination by a pediatrician should be done within the first 24 hours.
Once home, schedule your baby's first pediatric check-up within 2–5 days of birth.
🍼 2. Feeding and Breastfeeding
- Exclusive breastfeeding is advised for the first 6 months.
- Feed on demand, usually 8–12 times per day.
- Avoid formula or top feeds unless medically indicated.
- Monitor for:
- Good latch
- Sufficient wet diapers (≥6/day by day 5)
- Weight gain after initial loss in the first few days
👩⚕️ At Dr. Navya's Children Clinic, we also offer lactation counselling for mothers facing feeding challenges.
🌞 3. Jaundice Monitoring
- Physiological jaundice is common and usually harmless.
- IAP advises monitoring especially in the first week, particularly in:
- Preterm babies
- Babies with poor feeding
- Sibling history of jaundice
Yellowing that appears within 24 hours or lasts beyond 2 weeks may need investigation.
🧼 4. Umbilical Cord and Skin Care
- Keep the cord stump clean and dry—it typically falls off in 1–2 weeks.
- No need for powders or antiseptics unless prescribed.
- Bathing should be delayed until the cord falls off, with gentle sponge baths in the early days.
- Use mild, fragrance-free baby products for sensitive newborn skin.
😴 5. Safe Sleep Practices (as per AAP safe sleep guidelines)
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):
- Always place your baby on the back to sleep.
- Use a firm mattress without pillows, soft toys, or loose bedding.
- Avoid co-sleeping; instead, place the baby in the same room in a separate crib.
- No smoking around the baby—ever.
📏 6. Growth and Development Tracking
- Regular visits for weight, length, and head circumference checks are essential.
- WHO/IAP growth charts help track healthy progress.
- Early developmental screening is recommended at each well-baby visit.
- Red flags like delayed smile, poor eye contact, or not turning head to sound should be discussed with your pediatrician.
💉 7. Vaccinations
Your baby's first vaccines include:
- BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV at birth (as per IAP schedule)
- Followed by DPT, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, and Pneumococcal at 6, 10, 14 weeks
📌 Timely vaccination is essential to protect your child from preventable diseases. We follow IAP-recommended schedules with clear guidance and reminders at our clinic.
🚨 8. When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your pediatrician immediately if your newborn:
- Refuses feeds or has a weak suck
- Has fever (>100.4°F) or low temperature (<97°F)
- Shows labored or noisy breathing
- Is very sleepy or hard to wake
- Has fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours after day 5
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
🌼 Final Thoughts from Dr. Navya
The newborn phase can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. At Dr. Navya's Children Clinic, we are here to guide you with the best of science, support, and sensitivity.
Following IAP and AAP newborn care guidelines gives your baby the healthiest start—and gives you the confidence you need as a new parent.