When your baby will be born, you will have a lot of questions regarding their care:

• is this normal
• is that normal
• is this alright
• is that alright
• Should I do this
• Should I use that
• when to worry
• when not to worry
• when should he pass urine
• when should she pass stools
• how much should he sleep
• why is she crying
• how to take care of her skin
• her nails
• her hairs
• her nappy area
• her eyes
• her nose
• her ears
• how to bathe him
• how to massage her
• which oil to use
• which soap to use
• which cream to use
• And whatnot

• Ensure Baby is in skin to skin contact with the mother as soon after birth as possible
• Attempt to keep the baby as close to mother as possible (And for this very purpose we have devised special bedside cots in our hospital which we attach to the mother's bed and on which we keep the baby). The baby is near to the mother & you can touch the baby whenever you wish. You can choose to keep the baby in your own bed too as per your comfort.
• Initiate breastfeeding immediately. Colostrum (first milk) is the 1st vaccination
• During the shedding of vernix, you don't have to rub it and peel it. Many times the elders of the family ask our nursing staff to clean the baby. I would like to tell you not to remove the vernix except in certain situations, which your pediatrician will tell you. The vernix is very useful for the baby, helping to keep them warm and protect them from infections, etc.
• Keep the cord clean and dry. No need to apply anything if healthy, except in certain situations, which your pediatrician will tell you.
• No bath immediately after birth. Bathing can be done after the cord falls off by 1st week.
• You can give a sponge bath with warm cotton or muslin cloth after 24 hr.
• Clean baby eyes, ears & nose daily with soft cotton and warm water, if any sticky discharge noticed, must consult your pediatrician
• Wipe baby eyes from the inside corners to the outside corners.
• Clean the outside of baby noses and ears, not the inside.
• Remember the baby should pass poop (stools) within the first 24 hours and pee (urine) in 48 hrs, if not so please consult Pediatrician. Baby boys should pass urine in a good stream, not drop drop. Consult your child specialist in case of any doubt.
• Avoid using baby powder.
• Nappy area: Use cloth diapers as far as possible. They are eco-friendly and also don't cause nappy rash. Diapers have to be checked frequently & changed especially in hot & humid weather. Diapers should be checked for soiling & changed at least every 4 hourly. Cleaning with water & complete drying of skin after diaper change prevents rashes & skin infections. Expose the diaper area to air frequently so that it does not remain moist.
• Polio drops, BCG and Hepatitis are the three vaccines given at birth in usual situations.
• You cannot change the sleep pattern of your baby for the initial few months. So, relax.