Welcoming a newborn baby home brings immense joy alongside many questions for first-time parents. As a consulting neonatology & newborn specialist at Dr. Akshata Chaudhari's ChildCare Clinic in Goregaon West, I empower new parents with evidence-based newborn care practices.
1. Umbilical Cord Care: Keep It Clean & Dry
The umbilical cord stump typically falls off naturally within 7 to 14 days after birth.
- Keep the stump clean and completely dry; fold the diaper down below the cord stump.
- Do not apply turmeric, oil, powders, or home concoctions to the stump.
- Seek pediatric review if you notice redness, swelling, foul odor, or pus discharge around the cord base.
2. Recognizing Newborn Jaundice (Physiological Jaundice)
Yellowish discoloration of the baby's skin and eyes often appears between days 2 and 4 after birth. While mild physiological jaundice resolves as feeding establishes, persistent jaundice that spreads to the chest, abdomen, or legs requires a serum bilirubin blood check and expert evaluation by your neonatologist.
3. Safe Infant Sleep Practices
Safe Sleep Checklist:
- Back to Sleep: Always place your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress.
- Clear Crib: Keep pillows, heavy blankets, soft toys, and bumpers out of the sleeping area.
- Avoid Overheating: Maintain a comfortable room temperature and dress the baby in light layers.
4. Routine Newborn Follow-Up Check-Up
A newborn check-up within the first 3 to 7 days after discharge is crucial to monitor weight gain, assess breastfeeding latch, check jaundice levels, and administer birth vaccinations.
Book a Newborn OPD Consultation
Ensure your newborn gets a gentle, thorough clinical assessment with Dr. Akshata Chaudhari (MD Pediatrics, KEM Hospital Mumbai).
Book Newborn Appointment