From about 28th week, your gynecologist may recommend you to monitor fetus movement as a way to a
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Finally, the most awaited day has come, and you are blessed with a lovely baby.
As the baby has just entered the new world, therefore it is vital to give all the care and love. The mother too has put in a lot of efforts to deliver her baby; therefore, she also needs proper care.
Newborn development (developmental milestones)
Developmental milestones are a set of standard functional skills that most children are expected to attain at a certain age range. These are important to check how your child is developing. But as every child is different, his ability to learn or attain any skill is different too. So, there is a time range for achieving any milestone. Your child may learn some things early and may take time to learn others.
And if you are really bothered about the growth and development of your child, please consult your pediatrician and seek expert advice.
The first day (one day baby)
The first day of your baby is very important for his health and well-being. So, preparation for these moments may help you to handle them carefully –
Following things should be ensured:
Initiate breastfeeding within 1-2 hours after birth and give the first yellow milk (Colostrum) to the baby as it has essential nutrients and antibodies which are required for the baby during the first 2 weeks of its life.
First week of baby
Baby and mother are discharged from the hospital within 3-4 days after delivery. This may extend if there is some complication or health concern to either of them.
After a successful first day, the first week is also crucial for a baby’s health:
First month of baby
There are few things to take care during the first month of the baby:
On any day if you feel your baby is not active or doing well, consult a pediatrician and seek expert advice.
Newborn baby sleep patterns
Sleep is the most important part of a baby’s growth and development. A newborn sleeps a lot, typically up to 16 to 17 hours a day in unequally divided naps. As the baby grows the sleeping time changes and the number of naps decreases.
By 3 months of age, the baby is more awake during the day, has 3 nap during the day and sleeps for 10 hours during the night. By 1-year baby sleeps for 14 hours with 2 naps of about 3 hrs during the day.
It may be very exhausting for first-time mothers to adjust according to the sleeping patterns of the newborn. But it is always beneficial to set good sleep habits of the baby from the beginning.
Immunization (immunization schedule)
Immunization or vaccination is the safest and the most effective way to protect your child from some deadly diseases like diphtheria, Tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, etc. These deadly diseases can result in repeated hospitalization and even death of a child.
Consult your pediatrician or immunization tracker for regular and timely immunization.
The sleep schedule for a baby depends upon how old the baby is. Here is a brief overview of the recommended sleep duration:
The umbilical stump should be left absolutely dry and nothing should be applied to it. It will dry on its own and shed within a few days after birth. Also, the nappy pads used for the baby should not have contact with the stump in order to keep it clean and away from impurities.
Usually, a baby cries due to sleepiness, hunger, fatigue, wet or dirty diaper, overstimulation, tummy pain, illness, stranger anxiety or fear. These are more or less normal and you should try to comfort the baby patiently. But if the baby is unresponsive to this it is highly recommended that you consult a pediatrician at the earliest.
Oil massage is a low-cost traditional practice that is very beneficial for babies and has no reported adverse outcome. Oil massage should be done in a gentle way and with clean hands. Oils with additives or irritants should not be used. Coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil makes a good choice for oil massage.
In most of the babies, teeth erupt at the age of 4 to 6 months. Typically, the two bottom front teeth are the first to erupt, followed by the four upper front teeth.
It may start with the baby crying a lot, not taking breastfeed or being irritated. In association with these, a baby may also show symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea or distention of the stomach. These suggest that there is some problem in the stomach that needs medical attention.
A baby should be given bath once in 3-4 days, as taking a bath reduces the body temperature and makes them vulnerable to infections.
The ideal birth weight of a newborn can range between 2.5 to 4kgs.
You should visit the pediatrician if your baby shows the following signs:
Signs of dehydration in a baby include:
If any of the above signs are seen, contact your doctor immediately.
