Newborns experience many normal conditions that may cause parents to worry, even though these conditions do not necessarily require treatment and can resolve on their own.
Peeling Skin
For full-term births, the skin does not peel during the first 1-2 days. After day 2, peeling usually appears on the hands and feet and will disappear on its own within 2-3 weeks after birth. No treatment is needed.
Jaundice
This is a common symptom in newborns, usually appearing between days 2-4 after birth due to immature liver function, which causes incomplete excretion of bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. Prevention involves keeping the baby with the mother at all times to breastfeed frequently (breast milk helps stimulate excretion). If severe jaundice is observed, a doctor should be consulted for care and treatment.
Spitting Up Milk
After feeding, babies may frequently spit up or regurgitate a small amount of milk, which is normal and not a cause for concern. This happens because the newborn’s stomach sphincter is not fully functional, causing it to close incompletely and allowing a small amount of milk to come back up after feeding. The milk may come out through the nose and mouth and may appear curdled like tofu due to digestion by stomach enzymes, which is a normal digestive process. Parents might mistakenly think the milk is not digested or that the milk given is bad. To prevent spitting up, burp the baby and keep the baby’s head elevated and lying on the right side for about half an hour after feeding. This position keeps the stomach sphincter higher, reducing milk reflux.
How to Burp a Baby
- Sit the baby upright on your lap with a straight back. Support the baby’s chin with your thumb and index finger, leaving the other three fingers under the armpits. Gently rub or pat the baby’s back until the baby burps.
- Hold the baby over your shoulder in a prone position, resting the baby’s chin on your shoulder. The baby will burp on their own, or you can gently pat the baby’s back to help them burp.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a normal condition found in all newborns. Babies may sneeze more or less even though they do not have a cold. It is mostly caused by dust particles or dried mucus in the nose causing irritation. Babies will feel itchy in the nose and sneeze. Sometimes, excessive use of baby powder by the mother can cause sneezing.
Startle Reflex
The startle reflex or sudden jerking in response to sounds or touch is found in all babies and indicates a healthy nervous system. It is a simple test to show that the baby hears sounds. The baby responds by raising arms or legs, opening hands, spreading arms out, and then bringing them back together. This response occurs when the baby is in a deep sleep. The startle reflex can be observed until about 6 months of age.
Hiccups
Hiccups occur after feeding due to immature diaphragm function and the stomach expanding from milk and swallowed air touching the diaphragm. Burping the baby by sitting them up or holding them over the shoulder for a while will help the hiccups go away on their own.
Recommendations for Child Care at Home
Breastfeed the baby whenever they cry, according to their needs, starting with 5-10 minutes on each side. If there is plenty of milk, allow the baby to feed longer until full. Burp the baby every time you switch breasts and after feeding. If the baby sleeps for more than 3-4 hours, wake them to feed. If formula feeding is necessary, burp the baby every 1 ounce until the bottle is finished. Clean bottles by boiling or steaming in boiling water for 20 minutes.
Bowel Movements
If the baby receives full breast milk at every feeding, they will have frequent yellow, loose stools, possibly after every feeding.
Care for the BCG Vaccination Wound
All babies receive the BCG vaccine before leaving the hospital. Around 3 weeks or more after vaccination, check the left shoulder for a red bump or pus-filled blister. Do not pick at it. If the blister breaks, clean the area with 70% alcohol using cotton wool. If the blister becomes a large wound, see a doctor.
Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord can get wet whether it has fallen off or not. The cord usually falls off between day 5 and up to 1-2 weeks. Before it falls off, the base of the cord may discharge yellow fluid or old blood. Clean it frequently and every time after bathing by wiping with 70% alcohol using cotton wool, cleaning thoroughly to the base of the cord. After the cord falls off, continue cleaning until the area is dry.
Bathing
Bathed daily with warm water, shampooing the hair once a day.
Supplementary Feeding
Consult a pediatrician.
