Page 31 - Waterfall Issue 4 2021

• You will need small baby disappear on their own without
scissors with rounded edges. treatment, provided the products
• Try to trim the nails while your used on the skin are fragrance-
baby is asleep and trim around free and hypo-allergenic.
the curvature of the fingertip. • We recommend Cetomacrogol
o cream initially to be used as a
ophthalmic neonatorum
skin cleanser and a moisturiser.
• This is a common condition in
Temperature
neonates characterised by a T
persistent pussy discharge oozing • Temperature control is essential
from the eyes. It is easily treated in the first few weeks of life
with an antibiotic eye ointment. when your newborn needs extra
• It should not be confused layers to keep warm. However,
with normal sticky eyes that overdressing is not recommended.
newborns usually exhibit, which • Normal core temperature is
does not require treatment. between 36 and 37 C.
o
P u
uV Light
Poop
• A baby’s stool can cause a lot of Avoiding uV light and sun is
anxiety with new moms who may recommended in newborn babies.
be uncertain about the colour,
consistency and frequency thereof. V
Vaccination
• The initial stool colour in newborns Prevention is better than cure.
is black. This is meconium, which Vaccinating your baby is crucial for
is slowly replaced by yellowish their well-being. Preventable diseases
stools a few days later. impact your child’s life: from high
• Newborns can pass stools up to 8 times costs, numerous doctor’s visits, loss
per day initially. After a few weeks, they of time at work, more admissions and
can skip up to 8 days without passing increased morbidity and mortality.
a stool. This is completely normal,
especially if the baby is breastfed. W
Weight
• When it comes to urine, they should In the first week of life, your baby may
have at least 6 to 8 wet nappies per day. lose between 10 - 20% of their birth
Q weight. Newborns should regain their
birth weight by 2 weeks of age.
Quivers
X
• Quivers or shakes are common in
newborns and mostly elucidated EXaminations
when there is a loud noise or a • Your baby will require regular
sudden change in posture. follow up examinations with your
• This is called a Moro reflex. Should paediatrician in the first 2 years of life.
the shake or quiver persist when • Discussions about growth, nutrition
the limb is held, seek medical and development are necessary.
attention to exclude other causes. y
R Why?
Reflexes
Many moms may be uncertain
• Other common reflexes that about why their newborn is crying.
newborns display include the grasp You will soon learn your baby’s
reflex, where they grab a finger or crying signals, e.g. too hot, gassy,
curl their toes when stimulated. difficulty passing stools, hungry,
• They also ’root’ when a breast or wet nappy, ill, needing bonding.
bottle is placed near their mouth. z
S zzzzzz
• Babies grow when they sleep.
Skin
• Newborn skin is susceptible to many, • Your baby will sleep an average
sometimes scary-looking rashes, of 12 - 18 hours a day.
which are usually quite normal. • So, get some Zzz too when your little
• The vast majority of these rashes one rests. Rested mom, happy baby.

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