Newborn care

Every child loses around 10% of body weight after birth in the first week

In the first week of life, it is okay if the child loose around or below 10% of birth weight and if this happens due to several factors but then that child cross birth weight again by the end of 2nd week. If that is not the case then consult a doctor and get feeding sorted out urgently. After the first week, the child's weight should be on the rising trend, if not then consult a doctor so do get a weight check-up once in 15 days for the first 3 months.

Every neonate sleeps around 14-16 hours a day

Newborn children are sleepy in the initial days. They are less active, they take their feeds and sleep again. Until they do not gain the weight of 3 or 3.5 kg they remain asleep and less active. After that, they open their eyes and play and cry, but before 2 weeks they sleep throughout the day. However, it can be early signs of infection too so if you find it too unusual then better clear your doubts.

Crying is the only language they understand

In the initial days, they understand one language which is crying. So whatever they want to communicate they cry. It can be hunger cries, they cry when their bladder is full, they cry when they pass urine or when their diapers are wet. So by the end of 3rd week, the mother starts to understand the difference between hunger cries and other problems. It can be a colic, nasal blockage, and some other problem too, so get it cleared by asking a doctor.

Newborn children do make funny noises

Newborn children do make funny noises. These noises can cause anxiety in the mother or a family member. However, the majority of such noises are not suggestive of any problem. Sometimes, it can a sign of respiratory distress but that is usually associated with fast breathing, not taking feeds, and irritable or lethargic child.

Snoring is due to nasal blockage and it is common in children below 6 months

In a newborn child, nasal openings are too small. The nasal openings are almost 25% the size of adults, so they get easily blocked. This can be easily treated by using saline nasal drops. Saline nasal drops can be used 4 times a day or as frequently as every 2 hours to clear the child's nasal blockage. Avoid using medicated nasal drops like those containing oxymetazoline. Be careful with steam inhalation or Vick's vapor rub, preferably avoid them.

Newborn children have frequent hiccups due to reflux

Newborn children have frequent hiccups. They sneeze a lot too. However, hiccups, sneezing, and yawning are a sign of good brain development and doesn't require any medicines.

Children below 6 months need to be exclusively breastfed only

First 6 months of a child, the child should be exclusively breastfed. Breastfeeding contains 80% of water so it does quench the thirst of the child. Thus the child does not require any water from the top. Water can be the source of infection. So avoid any top feeds like water, ghutti, honey, etc to avoid any serious infection to the child.

Newborn children may pass stool once in 7 days also

A newborn child may pass stool once in 7 days also and that is the majority time normal. However, there can be some structural or anatomical problems too so keep a note on stomach distension, vomiting episodes, or activity of the child

Newborn children are quite common to have colic.

Evening colic is common from the 3rd week of life till 1 year of age. It is due to gas formation in the stomach. This can be managed by giving colic drops like Colicaid. However, the drops may take 30 minutes to show the effect and are very less effective. But colic can be prevented. It can be done by giving tummy time to the child, can apply ajwain or thing at the navel, or taking the child outside of the home during evening hours. However, it can be other issues also, and always better to consult for detailed guidance on how to manage.

Bathing can be started after 7 days of life.

A tub bath is better than a sponge bath. Bathing can be started when the cord falls. The cord usually falls on the 7th day of life. Newborn children cannot maintain their body temperature so they shouldn't be bathed for too long and their whole body should be immediately wiped off.

Coconut oil should be preferred

As such, any traditionally followed oil can be used for massage. Pungent oil like mustard oil should be avoided. Virgin coconut oil or cold compressed coconut oil or olive oil don't have any extra benefits. Massage is done mainly for kinesthetic stimulation. However, there is a lot more to oil and oil massage.

Bloodstain or oozing of blood from the cord can be managed by Neosporin powder

At the time of falling of the umbilical cord, oozing of blood or blood staining at the cord is very common. This can be managed by keeping the cord dry. Dry powder like Neosporin dusting powder can be used to avoid secondary infection. However umbilical hernia or umbilical granuloma is common and requires the help of a doctor.