Thermal Care
- Keep the baby skin-to-skin with the mother.
- Keep baby in Co-bedding with mother and in Head-up position.
- Use a cap, socks, mittens, and one extra layer of swaddling cloth on him/her.
- Avoid direct fan/AC air on the baby.
Breastfeeding & Latching
- Start within 1 hour of birth, and feed 8-12 times a day. Give on demand feeding.
- Signs of Good latch: Mouth wide open, lips curled out, Chin touches breast, Lower areola of breast in baby’s mouth
- Give burping for 10 minutes after each feed
- Avoid bottle feeding, only breast milk for 6 months.
Newborn Skin Care
- No bath until umbilical cord falls (7-10 days).
- Keep the cord clean and dry, no powders or ointments.
- Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning the face and diaper area.
Newborn Vaccination
- At birth: BCG (For protection against Tuberculosis), Hepatitis B (For protection against liver disease), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) (For protection against polio disease)
- Follow the vaccination schedule strictly.
Head Support & Tummy Time
- Always support the baby’s head when holding it. Keep the baby’s head up while in a supine sleep position.
- Start tummy time after 3 weeks, a few minutes daily, under observation only.
Swaddling
- Wrap baby snugly but not too tight, hips should move freely. Keep face open.
- Stop swaddling once baby starts rolling over (around 2 months).
Urine & Stool
- Baby must pass First urine within 48 hours, first stool within 24 hours.
- Breastfed babies may pass stool multiple times daily or once in a few days—both normal.
- If no stool for 48 hours or baby strains excessively, consult a doctor.
Warning Signs – Visit a Doctor If:
- Baby is not feeding well or is lethargic.
- Yellowing (jaundice) spreads to palms & soles.
- Fever or hypothermia (cold body).
- Breathing difficulty, bluish skin, persistent vomiting.
For any concerns, always consult your paediatrician immediately.