FAQ's
Why Do Babies Cry?
- Every cry does not have a medical reason, so does not require a medicine!
- Babies crave constant contact with mother.
- Crying is the only language they know!
- Every cry does not convey hunger.
What can make a baby cry?
- Hunger
- Uncomfortable clothing
- Hot/cold
- Nose block
- Colic
- Mosquito bites
- Bored!
Colic?
Because of swallowed air during feeds
- Hold in burping position
- Avoid home remedies/ medicines
- No ghutti/ gripe water
Breast engorgement in NB
- d/t hormonal changes
- Resolves with time
- Never squeeze it
Bleeding/ white discharge per vagina
- 3-5 ds after birth
- d/t hormonal change
- Stops in 2-3 ds
Frequent stools
- After every feed, 8-12/d
- Golden yellow & semiloose
- Normal if child
- EBF
- Active
- No blood in stool
- Gaining weight and not unwell
Constipation
Indigestion & vomiting
- Requires proper positioning & burping
Crying before & after passing urine & stool
Hiccups & Sneezing
Sleep?
Position
- Always on the back to prevent choking
Sleep pattern
- Average 16 hrs/d
- Normal to stay awake at night & sleep through day
Temperature?
Room
- Mother should feel slight warmth but not discomfort
- Babies need 1° extra
- Room temp 26°
Baby
Care?
Feeding on demand
Bathing
Massage
- No professional massage
- Coconut/ olive oil
- No mustard oil
Giving water
Weight gain?
NB lose 5-10% birth wt in first week
Regain birth wt by 7-10 ds
Gain 20-30gm per day
Weight doubles in 5 months & is 3 times by 1y
Newborn screening?
Hearing screening (OAE)
Thyroid test (TSH)
Normal Development?
2 months: Social smile
4 months: Neck holding
6 months: Transfers objects, Sits with support
8 months: Sits without support
9 months: Speech (Dada, Mama)
12 months: Stands
18 months: Speaks several words, Walks alone
2 years: Combines words, Follows instructions
Oral hygiene?
Clean gum pads daily
Use toothbrush as soon as first tooth appears
Toothpaste only aXer 2nd B’day
- Kids paste
- Pea sized amount
Parents should ensure healthy oral cavity
Avoid sharing of spoons
Routine checks?
Eye checkup
Dental checkup
Injury prevention?
No walkers!
Utensils with hot fluid
Hot iron
Hot water in bucket/ bathtub
Medicines
Pest control chemicals
Wall sockets
Toys with small parts
Candies/ peanuts <2 years
Fever?
Always use a thermometer
Safest & most effective Rx: Paracetamol
Loose clothes, cool environment
Plenty of water
Do not cover the child too much
Tepid sponging in high fever
Diarrhea?
ORS is most important
After each loose stool/ vomit
Breast feeding must continue
Most foods are allowed
- Khichdhi, curd & banana preferred
Common Cold?
Saline nasal drops help
Warm fluids in plenty
Avoid antibiotics
Hand hygiene
No dietary restrictions