PharmEasy Blog

Newborn Care Week – How To Care For A Newborn Baby?

As new parents, we are sure it’s pretty exciting and yet challenging to handle your bundle of joy. Knowing how to take care of your little one can be insightful. Read on to know more.

Every year in the week between 15 and 21st November, India celebrates the Newborn Care Week. Why is this week necessary? It’s because the first 28 days of your newborn’s life (neonatal phase) are very vulnerable – the neonatal phase has the highest child mortality rate. Similarly, this stage also sets the foundation for your child’s health. The care and effort you put into the baby’s health at this stage will decide how strong he/she will be as an adult.    

That is why throughout the newborn care week, efforts are made to educate parents on how to look after their infants. Read on to know the major challenges to a baby’s health and what you can do to avoid them.

Neonatal health problems

Why is your little one so vulnerable? It’s because a baby’s immunity has not developed yet. The following health complications can strike your child in the first 28 days-

Symptoms to look for in your Newborn

Although every newborn is different and has different needs, there are a few common symptoms in newborns, which if diagnosed early, could be life-saving. Let us take a look at some of the health symptoms which can be manifested in newborns.

A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2–3 hours. Breastfed babies are probably getting enough to eat if they: seem satisfied; have about 6 wet diapers and sleep 2 to 3 hrs after feeds.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Tips to take care of your Newborn

What is the best way to protect your little one? It is by being aware of the common health problems your child may have. If you are aware of them, then you will be able to recognize them and take action at the right time.

Caring for your newborn starts with ensuring that as soon as the baby is born, he/she is given a complete health check. Doctors should also administer the birth shots of certain immunization vaccines like BCG, Hepatitis B, etc.

Infections in newborns do not show any specific telltale signs but are usually bacterial in origin and can be a frequent cause of pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis, any symptoms of prolonged fever, lethargy, jaundice should be examined by a paediatrician to diagnose the disease at an early stage.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

What else can you do for your baby? You can follow these child-care tips

Parents need to be made more aware of what they can do to promote their child’s well-being. And the newborn care week makes it an important step in keeping your little one fit and healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

6
1