Wellness Blog

Bringing your newborn baby home is a happy moment for you as a parent. It can also feel a bit scary. You are now in charge of a baby who cannot tell you what they want. If you are a parent for the first time, don’t worry. Most parents feel this way during the first few weeks with their newborn baby.

Here is a simple guide to help you take care of your baby with confidence and proper care.

Feeding Your Baby

Your newborn baby needs food to grow strong and healthy. Breast milk is the food for your newborn baby and it has the amount of protein, fat and antibodies to keep your newborn baby safe from getting sick. If you are breastfeeding your baby, try to feed them every two to three hours. This means you will feed your baby about eight to twelve times a day. If you cannot breastfeed your baby, you can give them infant formula instead. Infant formula is a choice for your newborn baby.

Watch for signs that your newborn baby's hungry, like when they turn their head to the side or suck on their hands. Sometimes your newborn baby will make smacking sounds when they are hungry. If your newborn baby starts crying, it might be because they are hungry. Try to feed your baby before they start crying.

Sleep and Safety for Your Newborn Baby

Your newborn baby will sleep a lot, around sixteen to seventeen hours a day. They will wake up at different times and that is completely normal for a newborn baby. Always put your baby on their back to sleep on a firm and flat surface. Do not put pillows, loose bedding or stuffed toys in the crib with your baby. This will help keep your baby safe.

Room-sharing without bed-sharing is an idea for at least the first six months with your newborn baby.

Umbilical Cord Care for Your Baby

The umbilical cord stump(தொப்புள் கொடி) on your newborn baby will dry and fall off on its own. This usually happens within one to three weeks. Keep the cord stump clean and dry. When you change your baby's diaper, fold it below the stump so it gets plenty of air. Do not try to pull the cord stump off even if it looks like it is barely attached to your baby.

Bathing Your Newborn Baby

Until the umbilical cord falls off, you should only give your baby sponge baths. Use a cloth, warm water and mild baby soap. Your newborn baby only needs two to three baths a week. Their skin is delicate, and too many baths can dry it out.

Recognising When Something Is Wrong

Even if your newborn baby is healthy, they can still show signs that they need to see a doctor. Look out for a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, yellow skin or eyes, trouble breathing, poor feeding or much crying that does not stop. If you are not sure what to do, you should always call your paediatrician to ask for help with your baby.

Bonding with Your Newborn Baby

Holding your baby close to your skin, talking softly to them and making eye contact all help your newborn baby feel safe and loved. These things also help your baby's brain grow and develop. Do not forget how important it is to hold your newborn baby close to you.

Usually, caring for a newborn is a learning process on your own, and the stages of a baby's growth. Whenever you need help, seek the right place. At GKNM Hospital, our paediatricians are here to guide you through every step of caring for your baby. We make sure you feel safe, keep your baby healthy, and feel confident as a parent.