Caring your newborn
PHOTO:SAVE THE CHILDREN
Taking care of a newborn is not always an easy job. Many mothers come to us to learn how to take care of their newborn babies. In many instances, it is found that the baby does not require any treatment; parents just need some simple advice to solve problems of their babies. There are such simple advices on two major issues regarding care of your babies.
Feeding
* Exclusive breastfeeding up to first 6 months of birth.
* Baby's first feeding should be started within 30 minutes to 1 hour after delivery. They should be fed 8 to 12 times a day including night feeds.
* Till 6 months, babies do not need anything other than breast milk. Therefore, supplements including cow's milk or formula or water should be avoided as it may be potentially harmful.
* After 6 months of age, give safe, home-made, complimentary foods like, fruit, fruit juice, rice, pulses, khichuri, vegetables, fish, meat, egg, water etc. Try to continue breastfeeding up to 2 years of age.
* Burp baby at the end of each feeding to get rid of gas that the baby may have swallowed.
* Avoid junk foods.
* Give foods rich in Iron (banana, liver, meat, beans, egg etc) and put extra oil in their food up to 3 years of age. These help to develop their brain.
* Do not force the child to eat. Be patient and actively encourage the baby to eat.
* In any illness, frequently feed your child.
Hygiene
* Bathe your baby everyday if possible and if not, bathe every alternate day. You may give sponge bath with luke-warm water.
* You can use small amount of mild baby soap during bathing the baby. But try not to use harmful lotions, creams or soaps. They can cause chemical irritations, as your baby's skin is soft, thin and sensitive.
* Always wash your hands before handling the little one.
* Keep the umbilical stamp dry and clean. Avoid using any medicine or chemical unless prescribed by a Paediatrician.
* Keep your baby in a clean room with adequate air and light.
* Keep baby's clothing clean, dry.
* Teach hand washing, brushing teeth at least twice a day, when s/he grows up.
Prof Abid is Paediatrician at Dhaka Medical Collage Hospital (DMCH) and Dr Anima is a Postgraduate Trainee of the Department.
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