Tips to Care for a Premature Baby

Imagine you are all excited to welcome a little one to your home. You are worried because your baby has been born few weeks in advance and is immature and /or low birth weight.  Once you have your little bundle of joy in your lap. No doubt, your joy would know no bounds. However, at the same time, you must be worried and anxious about the health of the premature baby. Fret not, the experts at the top hospital in Dehradun can provide you with the necessary support and recommend effective tips to care for your baby. Read on to explore everything in detail!

Understanding the Challenges of Premature Babies

Premature birth may pose several health challenges for the little ones. Some of the common issues are difficulty in maintaining body temperature, low birth weight, higher risk of infections, respiratory issues, feeding difficulties and slow growth. However, with the support and assistance of the professionals at the best hospital in Dehradun, you can be rest assured of the optimum safety and well-being of the baby. 

Top Caring Tips You Must Know

It is no surprise that premature babies require extra attention, monitoring, and care. The core aim is to ensure that they develop and grow healthily. Delve into the key caring tips recommended by the experts!

#1 Get expert consultation even when the child is apparently healthy:

A premature baby has very fragile body and body organs. These miniature human need utmost care painstakingly. Not every doctor has the expertise to provide guidance for care of these little bundles of joy. A neonatologist is what you must consult in order to get the best guidance and advice.

#2 Focus on Proper Feeding

Premature babies may have underdeveloped sucking reflexes. As a result, they struggle with feeding. No doubt, breast milk is the most nutritious food for your little one. However, at times, breast milk needs to be boosted with additional vitamins, minerals, and proteins to meet the nutritional requirements of the premature baby. All the feeding advice must be supervised by an adept neonatologist  because any deviation from what is optimum might lead to disasters. Also, proper burping is essential to prevent the chances of reflux and gas. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to avoid feeding issues and ensure that your baby gets the right amount of nutrients for optimal growth. 

Sometimes, when breast milk is not secreted properly because of maternal anxiety or everted nipples like issues, a consultation with lactation specialist can bring about paradigm changes.

#3 Create a Comfortable Environment

Premature babies are sensitive to changes in temperature. Therefore, the experts at Altrus HealthCare recommend maintaining optimum room temperature where your baby feels safe and comfortable. Try to maintain your room temperature at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Moreover, ensure that the surroundings of your baby are calm, quiet, and clean. For that, you can consider soft lighting in your room and avoid any kind of loud noise. Also, try to avoid exposure of your premature babies to dust, allergen, and smoke as their lungs are delicate.

#4 Practice Kangaroo Mother Care

Are you hearing this term for the very first time? Well, it’s all about skin-to-skin contact. This care approach proves to be ideal for premature babies and plays a crucial role in regulating their body temperature. Apart from that, it also helps in strengthening the parent-child bond and enhances the breathing of the little one. Wondering how do you practice kangaroo mother care? Please consult a child specialist at ALtrus hospital to understand the procedure and benefit in better way

#5 Understand the Sleep Patterns of the Baby

Premature babies require much more sleep compared to normal babies. They sleep for several hours a day. However, their sleep cycles are usually shorter. Make sure to put your baby to bed on their back and not on the stomach. Try establishing a proper bedtime. At that time, you can dim the lights in the room, sing soft lullabies to them, and gently rock them. All these efforts will enable them to sleep peacefully. In case your child experiences breathing issues or any reflux difficulties while sleeping, be sure to reach out to healthcare professionals at the earliest.

#6 Maintain Proper Hygiene

Premature babies are undoubtedly at high risk of infection. Therefore, you need to be more careful. The seasoned healthcare professionals at Altrus HealthCare advise that it is always best to wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the little ones. 

Moreover, keeping their surroundings clean and tidy is vital. If anyone in your family is sick or has a cold, limit them from coming in contact with the baby. The core aim is to reduce the risk of illness and ensure optimal health for the little one. 

#7 Closely Monitor Growth and Development

The weight gain in premature babies might be slow. However, consistent progress is a positive sign. Consult the neonatalogists at Altrus HealthCare, the best hospital in Dehradun, to gain more insights about the developmental milestones of premature babies. 

#8 Check for Warning Signs

When you have a premature baby, you must be prepared for emergencies. Providing the right care at the right time will ensure optimal health for your little one. Be very alert about changes in feeding habits, breathing patterns, and behavior of the baby. Signs like bluish skin, fever, excessive sleepiness, and difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention. 

Conclusion

If a premature baby is born, it is quite common to be worried about the health and well-being of the little one. However, with proper care and assistance from the professionals, you do not have to worry about anything. Are you looking for a trusted hospital in Dehradun for premature baby care? Altrus HealthCare is indeed the name you can trust.

As a leading hospital, we have a team of experienced professionals in our neonatology department. We focus on delivering specialised care to premature babies and addressing all the potential concerns of new parents. From infection control to nutritional support, we can help you with everything.

Why are Vaccinations Important for Newborns?

Have you recently welcomed a little member home? If so, you would want to give your child the best of everything, be it baby skin care products or toys. Besides that, the safety and protection of your newborn are undoubtedly your top priority. For that, you may install baby gates at your home and sanitise your home. No doubt, all these are excellent for promoting the well-being of your child. However, apart from that, the best child specialist will highly recommend that you give all the required vaccines to your little one on time. The core aim is to safeguard your baby against infectious and life-threatening diseases.

Ready to take your newborn to a reputed hospital in Dehradun for vaccinations, but still wondering about its significance? Read on to explore everything in detail!

Understanding the Role of Vaccinations

In the early years, children are vulnerable to a number of diseases and infections. That’s because their immune system is still in the developing phase. As a result, the natural defence mechanism of the body isn’t completely active. That is where the vaccinations prove to be beneficial. They help your little ones defend against diseases, enhancing their overall health and well-being. 

Significance of Vaccinations

Are you still wondering whether your newborn baby requires the vaccinations? Here are the most convincing reasons to vaccinate them!

#1 Strengthens Immune System

The immune system of babies isn’t fully developed during the initial few years of birth. Therefore, they may easily be attacked by disease causing bacteria or viruses. However, taking your baby to a child specialist in Dehradun and giving them the necessary vaccines can help bolster the immune system, ensuring stronger immunity. Altrus HealthCare, a reputed hospital in Dehradun, has dedicated vaccination program to protect the little ones against life-threatening diseases. 

#2 Reduces Infection Risk

Vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting babies against the risk of infection that might be caused by various viruses and bacteria. It enables their body to defend against potential diseases. 

#3 Safety and Effectiveness

When it comes to vaccinations, many parents have concerns related to safety and discomfort. A point to note here is that all vaccinations undergo careful review by scientists and healthcare professionals. Only when they are found safe for use, the vaccines are recommended for the little ones. So, you need not worry about the safety. Vaccines provide your child with long-term benefits and optimum protection with very little discomfort. 

#4 Prevents Disease Spread

Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding the little ones and the wider community at large. Wondering how? Well, the vaccines will not only protect the baby but also limit the chances of spreading the disease through herd immunity. Ultimately, it helps in the creation of a safer environment where disease transmission is reduced to a great extent, enhancing the health and well-being of the entire community.

#5 Offers Complete Peace of Mind

Imagine your baby being affected by a serious disease. Wouldn’t it be disheartening and painful to see your little bundle of joy in pain? Indeed! That is why the best child specialists at Altrus HealthCare will always recommend to give all the vaccinations to your baby without missing out on any. With proper immunisation, you can enjoy complete peace of mind and be rest assured about the safety of your child. 

Preparing Your Baby for the Vaccination Day

Are you planning to visit a hospital in Dehradun to vaccinate your baby? Before that, preparing them well is essential. Here are a few tips that will make your task easier!

  • Make sure that your baby gets sufficient rest before the vaccination, this makes the vaccination process smoother.
  • Injecting Vaccine is an easy affair, so do not panic and have faith.
  • Make eye contact with the baby and keep smiling to send the message ‘That everything is fine.’
  • Currently available vaccines are with very little or virtually no discomfort so stay calm and stay assured.

Things Parents Should Keep in Mind About Vaccination

Convinced about vaccination for your Baby? Take a look at the few important things that you must always keep in mind!

  • Be sure to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule of your child and do not miss any shots. 
  • In case your baby is going through a major medical condition, you should inform the child specialist and discuss about the further course of vaccination in such circumstances.
  • Rest assured it is a very normal and highly safe process.

Final Thoughts

The significance of vaccines for the little ones cannot be undermined. Besides protecting them from deadly infections and diseases, it also offers them numerous long-term benefits. 

Are you in search of a child specialist in Dehradun? Altrus HealthCare can be the perfect destination.

As one of the top-rated hospitals, Altrus HealthCare has the best immunisation program. We are committed to providing the best quality care, strengthening the immune systems of babies, and ensuring optimal well-being. 

If you want to immunise your child against infections and diseases, reach out to our expert professionals and provide your baby with the required vaccinations for assured protection.

Expert Newborn Care Tips from Altrus HealthCare, Dehradun

Congratulations on your bundle of joy! Bringing a newborn into the world is both magical and transformative. At Altrus HealthCare: Dehradun’s premier child specialist hospital, we understand the joys and anxieties that do accompany this new chapter. The first 28 days of life, known as the neonatal period, are vital for ensuring your baby’s healthy development. Our team of leading paediatricians and neonatologists shares this evidence based guide to help you care for your newborn with confidence:-

Why the Neonatal Period Matters:

According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the neonatal phase is foundational for long-term health. It’s a time of rapid physical adaptation where support, cleanliness, and nutrition play life-shaping roles.

Common Newborn Concerns to Watch For:

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. It is indeed not the overwhelming and anxiety it is the endearing affection and love. It is worth to understand that Newborns may experience:

  • Some decrease in the weight in first week of life
  • Mild jaundice
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Dehydration or infections if hygiene is compromised

Important things to remember:

While Mild weight loss (up to 10% in full term newborn and 15% in preterm newborn) is considered normal , the baby must regain it by 10 days in case of full-term baby and 15-21 days in preterm baby with a maximum daily weight loss of not more than 3%, any aberration to this rule will warrant immediate medical attention.

Similarly, Mild Jaundice is considered normal if it is within the prescribed limits for age, weight and gestation. It should start by day three of life and subside gradually. Any jaundice which appears before 3rd day, if there is some mismatch in blood groups of mother and baby, very high colour, feeding difficulties, unusual cry or lethargy, pale or white stools, etc. (any one of these) is noted it must be brought into notice of a neonatologist.

Any degree of fever, refusal to feed, rashes, watery diarrhoea or bleeding must attract immediate medical attention.

The paediatric team at Altrus HealthCare provides round-the-clock neonatal monitoring to promptly address any early complications.

How to take care of the Newborn:

1. Gentle Handling & Hygiene

Newborns are delicate and vulnerable. Here is what every caregiver must follow:

  • Ensure hand hygiene before touching the infant.
  • The infant should be nicely supported.
  • Absolute ‘NO’ to any form of shaking, not even playfully
  • Limit visitors and insist on hand hygiene

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines stress meticulous hygiene in preventing sepsis (Infection) and respiratory infections in the first month.

2. Umbilical Cord Care: Keep It Clean & Dry

The umbilical stump typically detaches within 7-14 days (It must not be more than 21 days).

Until the stump falls:

  • Do not pull or try to forcefully detach it
  • Do not apply anything unless prescribed by a Pediatrician /Neonatologist 
  • We advocate sponging rather than baths especially in cold weather
  • The signs like redness, swelling, discharge or odour should be carefully watched and a pediatrician or neonatologist must be contacted immediately of any one of the above is noted.

Dry cord care has been advocated as standard or care by Indian academy of Pediatrics (Provided it is not soiled)

3. Breastfeeding & Burping Basics

Breastfeeding is nature’s best gift for babies. We recommend:

  • Starting the breast feeding within 2 hours of birth (preferably within an hour)
  • Feed exclusively for 6 months
  • Seek lactation support if needed

After feeding:

  • The infant should be held baby supported by your hand and chest
  • Gently pat their back until they burp (It is prudent to learn the burping procedure form a Pediatrician / Neonatologist or a lactation consultant)

Reflux (regurgitation) and infantile colic are reduced by effective burping (Cloherty’s textbook of Neonatology)

4. Establishing Healthy Sleep Patterns:

The little ones sleeps in small cycles and accounts for almost sixteen to eighteen hours a day.

  • Infants must be placed on their back (An higher death rate has been noted in infants who are allowed to sleep on their bellies unsupervised because of SIRS)
  • Use a firm, clutter-free mattress
  • Maintain a cool, dark room environment
  • Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule

American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep Guidelines reduce the risk of SIDS significantly.

5. Nappy Changing & Rash Prevention               

Expect 3–4 wet nappies daily by day 4–5. Keep baby comfortable with:

  • Warm water and sterilized cotton clothes or unscented wipes should be used
  • Nappies of the infant should be changed regularly, to keep him dry
  • Zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream when needed (prudent to take a consultation)

Frequent urination is a one of most reliable sign of adequate hydration and adequate feeding.

Why Altrus HealthCare?

We combine world-class paediatric expertise with an ethical and human-first approach and round the clock availability of best neonatal team.