The birth of a baby is a powerful experience for the entire family, and letting everyone join in the care of the new arrival will help the family adjust to the situation.

We would like to help you and your family by providing some brief information about the care of your baby.

Neonatal Jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is a physiological phenomenon that occurs in about 40% of newborns.

This is not an illness, but a result of the baby's immature system.

If you notice an increase in your baby's yellow coloring after release from hospital, take him/her to a doctor.

Fevers

Babies' temperatures are taken anally. If your baby's temperature is above 37.5°C (99.5°F) or below 36°C (96.8°F), you must see a doctor.

Nutrition

If you choose not to nurse your baby, the nurses at the hospital will instruct you how to feed the baby, and you will be referred to your local baby-care clinic. You will be given clear instructions before leaving hospital.

Cleaning Baby Bottles

You must boil the bottles and nipples (teats) for 2-3 minutes before use.

Washing Your Baby

We recommend washing your baby in the bath, even before his/her umbilical cord has fallen off.

Cleaning the Umbilical Cord

Clean and dry around the umbilical cord with 70% alcohol, three times a day.

Do not leave the wet cotton wool on the baby, to avoid burning his/her skin.

The stub will fall of within 7-13 days after birth.

If your baby has any kind of discharge after the stub has fallen off, you must see a doctor or baby-care nurse at your local clinic.

Breasts

There may be swelling and possibly even a slight milk discharge from both girls and boys. This will soon pass.

Vaginal Discharge

You might notice a very small amount of white or reddish vaginal discharge in girls, which is a result of excess hormones transferring from the mother to the baby. This will pass and there is no reason to worry.

Limbs

Your baby's hands and feet might be slightly purple or white during the first days. There is nothing to worry about.

Red Spots

You might notice spots around the eyelids, eyebrows and lips. This will pass within several months.

Bluish spots, generally above the buttocks, are a sign of concentrated pigments. There is nothing to worry about.

White Spots on the Nose

Fatty pores - don't touch, they will disappear.

Nails

Newborn babies often have long nails and he/she might scratch him/herself. Don't cut the baby's nails too short.

Body Hair

Newborns often have body hair covering the ears, shoulders, along the spine and forehead.  This will fall out shortly.

Dry Skin

No treatment needed.

Bowel Movements

The color of a newborn's first bowel movements is generally black or green and sticky. This will pass within a day or two. Bowel movements are then yellowish, liquid and appear several times a day (after each feed).

Nursing babies have more frequent bowel movements.

It is natural for a baby to have bowel movements between 8 times a day to only once every three days.

If the baby's bowel movements are green and mucous-like, see a doctor.

Lying the Baby Down

It is recommended to lie your baby on his/her back.

You can lie your baby on his/her tummy, only if someone is supervising him/her.

Breathing

A baby's rate of breathing is almost twice as fast as that of an adult.

Hiccups

Generally don't bother the baby and are not a sign of any illness.

Brit Mila (Circumcision)

The brit mila is generally held eight days after birth. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you have any medical concerns regarding this timing.

After the procedure, it is important to ensure that the baby urinates within four hours.

If your baby has not urinated or is suffering bleeding, contact a doctor.

Dressing the Baby

You must adapt the way you dress your baby to the time of year and the weather. But remember that babies have a tendency to lose body heat.

It is recommended to dress your baby in long pants over his/her diaper.

You must wash any new clothing before dressing your baby.

Weight Loss

All babies lose about 10% of their birth weight within 48-72 hours after birth.

Weight Gain

Babies develop very quickly. Make sure to visit your baby-care clinic regularly, to follow up on your baby's growth and development.

Room Temperature

Make sure that your baby's room is comfortable. The temperature should not be below 21-22°C (70-72°F).

Don't put your baby too close to the source of heat.

In winter do not put your baby adjacent to an external wall. You can turn on air conditioning in the baby's room, but not in the case of premature babies.