Draft: awaiting review by Dr. Amit Shah.
The basics
- Only breast milk for the first 6 months: no water, ghutti or honey
- Feeds 8 to 12 times a day; 6 or more wet nappies a day after the first week
- Keep the cord stump clean and dry; do not apply oil, powder or anything else
- Do not put kajal in the eyes
- Birth vaccines: BCG, OPV and Hepatitis B. Next due at 6 weeks
See the doctor if
- Yellow skin in the first 24 hours, on the palms and soles, or lasting beyond 2 weeks
- Not gaining weight by the 2-week check
- Redness or pus around the cord
Go to a hospital or call 108 now if:
- Not sucking or feeding poorly
- Fever, or the body feels cold
- Fast breathing or the chest pulling in
- A fit, bluish lips, or very floppy and sleepy
At the clinic
At each visit the baby is weighed and measured, feeding is reviewed and the next vaccines are planned. Bring the discharge card from the hospital of birth.