Welcoming a newborn into your life is one of the most beautiful moments for any parent. Along with the joy comes the responsibility of ensuring your baby’s health and well-being from day one. Whether your baby is born at full term or arrives early (preterm), newborn care is a crucial part of their healthy development. In this post, we’ll focus on caring for term newborns – the ones born after completing 37 weeks of pregnancy.
At The Gynae & Pediatric Clinic, we believe in empowering parents with the right information to confidently care for their newborns. Let’s go over some of the most important aspects of newborn care that every parent should keep in mind:
1. Begin Breastfeeding Immediately
One of the first and most essential steps in newborn care is initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. The first milk, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies and nutrients, providing critical immune protection to your baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended from birth until 6 months of age. This means no water, formula, or other liquids – just breast milk. It helps with your baby’s growth, brain development, and immunity.
2. Maintain Proper Room Temperature
Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes and can lose heat quickly. To ensure comfort and safety:
Keep the room temperature between 25°C to 28°C.
Dress the baby in layers appropriate to the weather.
Avoid overheating or exposing the baby to cold drafts.
Maintaining the right temperature helps babies conserve energy, which is essential for healthy weight gain.
3. Prioritize Hygiene and Clean Handling
A newborn’s immune system is still developing, so cleanliness is critical. Here are some key hygiene tips:
Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly before touching or carrying the baby.
Limit visitors in the early days to avoid exposure to infections.
Avoid applying kajal, gripe water, honey, or any external substances not recommended by your pediatrician.
Also, delay the baby’s first bath by 8 to 10 days, allowing the natural protective layer (vernix) on the baby’s skin to provide warmth and protection.
4. Regular Pediatric Visits & Vaccinations
Your baby’s health journey begins from day one. Make sure you:
Follow a regular pediatric check-up schedule.
Keep up with the immunization timeline as advised by your pediatrician.
These visits help track your baby’s growth, development, and ensure timely protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of a newborn may feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. But with the right guidance, you can provide your baby the healthiest start in life. At The Gynae & Pediatric Clinic, our team is here to support you every step of the way – from newborn care to pediatric health and more.
If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s health, feel free to book a consultation with us. Together, let’s build a strong foundation for your baby’s future.
Consult with– Dr. Mayank Goel–MBBS, MD(Pediatrics) (PGIMS Rohtak) Sr. Consultant Pediatrics & Neonatology, Paras Hospital Gurugram
Need help with newborn care or vaccinations?
Visit The Gynae & Pediatric Clinic today or call us for an appointment.