Newborn Care Week

Newborn Care Week

India observes the Newborn Care Week from November 15 to November 21 each year. What justifies having this week? The neonatal phase, which has the highest risk of infant death, is particularly very vulnerable for the first 28 days of your newborn’s life(neonatal phase). The aim for celebrating this week is to raise awareness about the importance of Newborn care for child survival and Development.

National Newborn Week 2022: Theme

As per the Indian Academy of paediatrics the theme for 2022 is “Home care of Newborn in Urban area”. To reduce the risk of disease and promote healthy growth and development, all newborns require essential newborn care. At birth, a healthy baby’s fundamental needs include warmth, regular breathing, mother’s milk, and infection control. These fundamental requirements show how completely reliant a baby is on her mother and other caretakers for survival.

Tips to take care of your newborn

What is the best way to safeguard your little ones? Knowing the typical health issues your child may experience will help. If you are aware of them, you will be able to spot them and take appropriate action when necessary.

Care of newborn includes

• Immediate and complete drying
• skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the infant
• Following the first few minutes after birth, the cord is clamped and cut.
• Breastfeeding exclusively and starting it early
• A self-inflating bag and mask should be used to provide positive pressure ventilation with room air to newborns who have not begun breathing on their own by one minute after birth.

Care begins as soon as the baby is born. A full health examination is performed, and the doctor should also offer various shots of vaccination vaccines, such as those for BCG, Hepatitis B, etc.

How to take care of a Newborn during Winter

We commonly see infants visiting the hospital as an emergency or outpatient for coughs and colds due to the bad AQI (Air Quality Index) and the arrival of winter. Here are some tips on how to shield your child from the current situation:

Continue Breastfeeding: Please continue breastfeeding even if you, your baby, or both of you are contagious. If you as the mother have a cold or a cough, washing your hands frequently and using a mask while breastfeeding will assist. Breastfeeding increases immunity and provides defence against a variety of diseases.

Humidification of the room: In the current climate, dry air is a typical issue, and humidifying the air makes breathing more comfortable. Simple solutions, such as keeping the hot shower door open to add moisture to the bedroom air, using a steamer while keeping the infant at a safe distance away from it to prevent burns, etc., and using humidifiers can be helpful.

Oil Based Heaters: are preferable to electric ones; also, make sure it is located further from the kid.

Nasal Saline Drops: The majority of baby colds may usually be treated with one drop in each nostril 10 minutes before feedings. For the duration of the sickness, they can be given up to 4-6 times per day, but before doing so, consult your paediatrician or neonatologist.

No Smoking: Whether indoors or outdoors. The idea that it is okay for family members to smoke outside the home is untrue since smoke particles have a tendency to attach to clothing.

Maintain a clean environment: Maximally free of dust. Do not use stuffed toys or other items as they collect dust and are difficult to clean.

Avoid multiple visitors at home: Avoid having too many visitors during the first few months; with routine immunizations later on, the infant may be better able to fight infections.

Avoid Crowded Places: Do take the infant for walks or other outings, but try to avoid busy times.