How to take care of the newborn baby
The advent of a newborn during the winter season can induce stress, particularly when an abnormal cold spell is prevalent in the area. Take care of the newborn baby is important” Nevertheless, the arrival of infants continues regardless of the weather conditions. During the winter, special attention to ensuring the well-being of the newborn. This is largely due to the fact that their thermoregulation system is not fully develop, rendering them susceptible to illnesses during severe winter conditions, including the possibility of hypothermia, wherein their body temperature may decline and lead to complications.
No need to shave the head:
Another thing is that there is no need to shave the baby before it is 45 days old. This hair helps maintain the baby’s head temperature. All you have to do is clean the hair on your head. Keeping the newborn warm during winter is very important. Dress the baby in several layers of two or three cotton clothes. Then, wear a warm woolen sweater over it. Then, wrap again with a cotton cloth, warm cloth, blanket, or towel for take care of the newborn baby.
Be careful not to put on wet clothes:
It is essential to cover the baby’s head and ears. Newborn babies urinate and defecate frequently. Care should be taken that the baby does not stay wet. Diapers or wet clothes should be remove or change quickly. While cleaning the toilet, soak a cotton cloth in warm water and use petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
Metabolism and nutrition play an essential role in keeping the body warm. Breastfeed the baby every one to two hours. Please keep it in the sun as much as possible when the sun rises. If the sun does not rise and it is windy outside, keep the doors and windows closed. The face, especially the eyes, should be cover at this time for take care of the newborn baby.
Keep in the sun and warmth:
The best source of warmth for the baby is the warmth of the mother’s lap. When not in the mother’s lap, keeping the body in contact with the warmth of the grandparents’ lap is better. This reduces the risk of the baby losing body heat.
Bathing twice a week is enough:
Many are in a dilemma about whether to bathe their newborn this winter. Baby does not need to be clean every day in winter. Bathing every two to three days or once or twice a week. Instead of taking a bath, wipe your body thoroughly:
- Soak a cotton bud in warm water in the tub and clean it around the eyes, nose, ears, and throat.
- Wash the head and wipe the head quickly.
- The whole body should be washe and clean.
It is better to take the baby to the sun and bathe. If there is no sun or it is freezing outside, in that case, keep the room warm by closing the door and window during the bath. Baby-friendly soap and body wash are should be use for bathing. Massage with olive oil before and after bathing. Quickly wipe the baby’s body, dry it, and dress it in layers. Dip your finger in the water before bathing to check the temperature. At this time, accidents occur more often in hot water. So be very careful in this case.
Author: Dr. Md. Shahedur Rahman, Resident Physician, Pediatric Department, Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
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