Guidelines for Breastfeeding
The baby can be fed every 3 hours, sucking from both breasts for about 10-15 minutes each side. For the next feeding, start with the breast that was last used in the previous feeding. To observe if there is enough milk for the baby, check if milk flows from the opposite breast while the baby is sucking on one side. Also, observe the baby’s sleeping time; if the baby sleeps 2-3 hours after each feeding, it indicates that the mother’s milk is sufficient. Finally, monitor the baby’s weight during scheduled health check-ups.
Guidelines for Feeding with Formula Milk
Breast milk is the best milk for infants, but if the mother cannot breastfeed or milk supply is insufficient, it may be necessary to use modified formula milk for newborns. Details are as follows:
Milk mixture: 1 spoon of milk powder per 1 ounce of boiled water, or 1 spoon of milk powder per 2 ounces of boiled water, depending on the type of formula.
Preparation method: Pour warm boiled water into the feeding bottle to the correct ounce amount, then close the bottle nipple and shake to dissolve the milk powder. Before feeding, test the milk by dropping a little on the back of your hand to prevent the baby from drinking milk that is too hot.
Guidelines on Feeding Times
The appropriate feeding times are 06:00, 09:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00, 24:00, and 03:00, as the baby feeds every 3 hours. When the baby is breastfeeding, let the baby suckle from the mother first, then follow with the prepared formula milk.
Guidelines for Milk Storage
Milk can be kept at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. If the baby does not finish the milk, discard the remaining milk and do not feed it again in the next feeding. Prepared formula milk and expressed breast milk can be stored in a regular refrigerator for 24 hours. When taken out of the refrigerator, warm the milk in hot water until it is no longer cold, then feed the baby.
When feeding, burp the baby during and after feeding by holding the baby upright and gently patting or rubbing about 1/2 to 1 ounce of milk until the bottle is empty. Burp the baby again before putting them to sleep.
Guidelines for Giving Water to Infants
Babies who are fed breast milk or properly mixed formula milk do not need additional water. However, if the baby is fed both breast milk and formula, a small amount of boiled water can be given to rinse the mouth after feeding.
For white coating on the tongue found in babies fed formula, if it is excessive, use a clean cloth soaked in boiled water to wipe between feedings. If it is minimal and the baby is feeding well, wiping may not be necessary. The white coating will gradually disappear as the baby grows. For babies fed only breast milk, no water is needed afterward because breast milk contains substances that inhibit fungal growth in the mouth and do not need to be rinsed off.
Guidelines for Cleaning Feeding Bottles
Wash feeding bottles thoroughly, then steam or boil in boiling water for 20 minutes.
Guidelines for Bathing Infants
Bath and wash the baby’s hair with warm water daily, 1-2 times a day, between feedings (about 2 hours after feeding to prevent vomiting or before the next feeding). Recommended times are in the morning between 9-10 AM or in the afternoon between 2-3 PM.
Guidelines for Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord can get wet whether it has fallen off or not. After every bath, clean the umbilical area with 70% alcohol as often as needed. Do not apply powder to the umbilical area. Clean after every bath and diaper change until the umbilical area is dry. The umbilical cord usually falls off between day 5 after birth up to 3 weeks after birth.
Before the cord falls off or when it has just fallen off, the base of the umbilical area may have old blood or pus. Use cotton soaked in 70% alcohol to clean the base of the umbilical cord by lifting the cord and wiping down along the cord to the base. After the cord falls off, the area may still be moist; continue cleaning with 70% alcohol until it is completely dry.
Guidelines for Caring for Circumcision Wounds
The baby can be bathed. If there is yellow discharge on the wound, soak a cotton ball in warm water and cover the circumcised area for about 2-3 minutes, then gently rub upwards. The yellow mucus around the wound will come off. Retract the foreskin daily 3-4 times to prevent the wound from sticking until it is fully healed. Do not apply powder to the wound until it is dry.
Guidelines for Caring for BCG Vaccination Wounds
All babies receive the BCG vaccine on the left shoulder before leaving the hospital. The baby will not have a fever. About 2-3 weeks later, the injection site will develop a small bump with pus that may come and go for about 3-4 weeks before turning into a small wound. Do not scratch the wound or use 70% alcohol to clean it. Keep the wound clean and dry by wiping with boiled water. If the wound becomes very large or spreads, take the baby to see a doctor.
Guidelines for Introducing Complementary Foods
Complementary foods should be introduced when the baby is about 6 months old, as advised by the pediatrician during scheduled check-ups.
