In shortNewborns feed 8 to 12 times a day and sleep most of it. Any fever, poor feeding, deepening yellow colour or breathing trouble needs a doctor straight away.
Congratulations, you are a parent! You are also, almost certainly, a little sleep-deprived and more than a little nervous. Nearly every new parent who comes to our clinic for newborn care in HSR Layout asks the same thing: "Is this normal?" So here is a calm guide to the first month, from a pediatrician who has answered that question thousands of times.
A typical day, by the numbers
Feeding
Newborns feed little and often, usually every two to three hours, including at night. Breast milk is the ideal food in the first six months. Feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on hands or stirring, rather than waiting for crying. If you are worried about latching or supply, please ask us early. A few minutes of help in week one saves weeks of struggle.
Sleep
Always place your baby on the back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, with no pillows, loose blankets or soft toys in the cot. Newborns do not know day from night yet, so short, scattered sleep is normal.
Cord, skin and bath
- Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. It usually falls off in one to three weeks.
- Sponge baths are fine until the cord falls off.
- Peeling skin, tiny white spots on the nose and a little rash are very common and harmless.
Jaundice: the yellow tinge
Many newborns look slightly yellow in the first week. It happens because the baby's liver is still learning to clear a natural pigment called bilirubin. Mild jaundice is common, but it should always be checked, because a few babies need treatment. See us promptly if the yellow colour deepens, spreads down to the tummy or legs, or the baby is very sleepy and feeding poorly.
Normal, call us, or emergency?
Common and normal
- Sneezing and hiccups
- Peeling or blotchy skin
- Irregular breathing in short bursts
- Soft, seedy yellow stools in breastfed babies
Call us the same day
- Feeding poorly or not waking to feed
- Yellow colour deepening
- Fewer wet nappies than expected
- Redness or discharge at the cord
Go to emergency now
- Fever of 38°C or above
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Blue or very pale colour
- Floppy, hard to wake, or a fit
Trust your instincts. If your baby seems 'not right' to you, call us, even if you cannot explain why. Parents are usually right.
Your first checkup
Bring your baby for a check in the first week for weight, jaundice and feeding, and keep up with vaccination and growth visits afterwards. And please look after yourself too: eat well, rest when the baby rests and accept help.
See a doctor in HSR Layout, Bangalore
CARE Speciality Clinic offers newborn and infant care in HSR Layout with Dr. Mahima Shetty KR, open Monday to Saturday. Patients come from Agara, Koramangala, BTM Layout, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur and Haralur. Book online or call 96320 71178.
Book appointment Learn more about our care
Consultant Pediatrician, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics). Sees patients Mon–Sat at CARE Speciality Clinic, HSR Layout.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.