First 7 Days Matter Most

1. First 7 Days Matter Most: Newborn Care First 7 Days Matter Most: Newborn Care You Shouldn You Shouldn’ ’t Ignore | Best Pediatrician in t Ignore | Best Pediatrician in Greater Noida Greater Noida (Dr. Deepali Jain Sr. Consultant Neonatology & Paediatrics Prakash hospital, Greater, Noida) Welcoming a newborn into your home can feel both thrilling and a bit daunting. Your baby’s first seven days play a key role in shaping their health and growth for the future. It’s important to focus on caring for your newborn as they adjust to the world beyond the womb. This guide shares important care tips for this significant phase, with advice from pediatric experts at Prakash Hospital in Greater Noida. Essential Newborn Care First Week: What Parents Should Know Moving from the womb into the world is a big change for a newborn. In those early days, babies are fragile and need a lot of care. Taking care of a newborn means keeping an eye on feedings, making sure they sleep, keeping them clean, and looking out for any warning signs. Many new parents feel unsure about how to handle those first few days at home with their baby. But with some helpful advice, you can feel ready to handle this new chapter. Tips for Bringing Newborn Home from the Hospital Preparing to bring your newborn home takes patience and planning as you settle into life as a new family. Here are some important tips. Get your home ready ahead of the baby’s arrival. Make sure to secure a car seat that fits for taking the baby home.

2. Keep the house warm and cozy between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to limit visitors during the first week to lower the chance of spreading germs. Gather all the basic supplies you’ll need and keep them within reach. Set up a spot for diaper changes and a safe sleeping space before the baby comes. Understanding Your Newborn Feeding Schedule Newborns follow a feeding pattern that involves eating 8 to 12 times in a day. No matter if you're using formula or breastfeeding, the baby will need to eat often. You need to watch for hunger signals. These include: Smacking lips or licking them Turning head if their cheek is touched (rooting) Moving their hands toward their mouth Being more awake or fidgety than usual "Setting a feeding schedule for a newborn ensures your baby gets enough nutrition," says Dr. Deepali Jain, a pediatric specialist with over 13 years of experience. "But in the early days, it’s better to feed whenever they seem hungry instead of following a strict timetable." Newborn Sleep Safety: Creating the Right Environment Newborns sleep 14–17 hours daily in short 2–3 hour stretches. Making their sleep environment safe is very important to protect their health. Here are some essential tips to keep their sleeping area safe: Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Sleep your baby on a solid flat surface with a fitted sheet on top. Keep the crib clear of pillows, stuffed animals, blankets, or bumpers.

3. Share a room with your baby, but avoid sharing the bed during their first 6 to 12 months. Keep room temperature between 68–72°F. Once breastfeeding is going well, think about offering a pacifier. To care for newborn sleep in the first week, you must understand they don’t yet know the difference between day and night. Developing a loose newborn routine in the beginning can make life easier for both parents and the baby as they adjust. Fundamental Newborn Care Practices for New Parents How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord The umbilical cord stump needs careful attention until it falls off on its own, which happens in 1 to 2 weeks. Keep it dry and clean Use water to clean it if it gets dirty Do not submerge the baby in water until the stump comes off Fold diapers down to keep them from covering the stump Look out for signs like redness bad smell, or discharge that could mean infection Skin Care for the Newborn's First Week: Avoiding Common Problems Following simple skin care steps during the first week helps avoid common problems like diaper rash. A newborn’s skin is very sensitive and must be cared for . Bathe the baby 2-3 times each week until the umbilical cord detaches. Stick to warm water and avoid or use very little soap. Dry the skin in the folds where moisture can hide. If the skin looks dry, use a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer. Change diapers often to keep rashes away. Use soft wipes or warm water to clean the diaper area. Caring for a Baby's Health During the First Week The first week sets the foundation to build habits that encourage healthy growth and development. During these early days, your baby will: Recover some of the weight shed after birth Start looking at faces and tracking high-contrast things

4. React to voices and sounds they know well Show reflexes like sucking, rooting, and being startled Begin to hold their head a bit, though they still need full support Watching how your baby grows in their first week can help spot any problems . Taking them for regular visits to the pediatrician during this time is very important. Newborn Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention Most newborns adjust to life outside the womb without issues, but knowing what signs need medical help is crucial. Serious Symptoms That Need Immediate Care: Rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Breathing trouble or very fast breaths (over 60 per minute) Skin turning blue or gray Heavy bleeding from the umbilical cord or circumcision area Convulsions or seizures happening Serious Problems (Call Pediatrician the Same Day): Refusing to eat several times in a row Vomiting if it’s forceful or looks green or yellow No wet diapers for 8–12 hours may signal dehydration. Worsening or intense jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) sleepy or hard to wake up To keep a newborn healthy, parents should look after basics like temperature, diaper changes, and feeding habits. If unsure about anything, reaching out to the most trusted pediatrician in Greater Noida can help provide the best care for your baby during this important phase. What To Do With A Newborn: Daily Care Routine Building a simple routine can assist parents in handling everyday care: Morning Tasks: Feed and burp your baby Change their diaper

5. Let them stay awake briefly about 5 to 10 minutes Let them sleep During the Day (Every 2-3 Hours): Feed and burp Change the diaper Slowly let their awake time increase Put them to sleep Later in the Day: Babies may cluster-feed. Give sponge baths around two to three times a week. Use quiet activities to help newborns wind down for bedtime. Babies sleep often but need feeding every two to three hours. Caring for a newborn can feel confusing in the very beginning. Many parents are unsure how to manage those early days at home. Keep in mind that newborns do best with basic care like feeding, sleeping, diapering, and soft interactions. Why Prakash Hospital is the Best Pediatric Hospital in Greater Noida To find the best pediatric hospital in Greater Noida, it’s important to choose one with advanced neonatal care units. Prakash Hospital is an excellent choice because it provides full pediatric care led by skilled professionals. Here’s what Prakash Hospital offers: Round-the-clock emergency care for newborns Advanced NICU equipment and setup Full-range vaccination services Regular growth checkups for babies Help and advice for breastfeeding mothers Care plans for managing jaundice in infants Expert consultations tailored for children Prakash Hospital stands out as a top-tier pediatric center in Greater Noida offering complete care for newborns. Dr. Deepali Jain heads the pediatric department. She earned a Gold

6. Medal in Pediatrics from SS Medical College Rewa, and has been caring for children for over 13 years. To find the best pediatrician in Greater Noida, focus on their experience, credentials, and the hospitals they are connected to. Families in Noida and Greater Noida rely on Dr. Jain because of her knowledge in caring for newborns and her work in child health. Establishing a Newborn Routine First Week Although newborns don’t need rigid schedules, starting a loose routine in the first week helps parents and babies settle into their new life. Pay attention to: Pay attention to your baby’s signals . Make the surroundings peaceful when it’s time for your baby to sleep. Start easy bedtime routines like swaddling or rocking your baby. Share night duties with your partner to handle care. Let family and friends help with chores to lighten your load. Your baby’s needs will shift during those first few weeks and months. Being flexible will help make things less stressful for both you and your baby. Conclusion The first week of a baby’s life sets the stage for their growth and overall health. Practices during this time play a crucial role in child health development, helping shape their physical and emotional well-being. Things like feeding, maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring safe sleep, and watching for any warning signs are all key to caring for your baby during these early days. Learning the basics of newborn care during the first week can give new parents the confidence to handle this tricky period. Having skilled pediatric care on hand also gives families peace of mind. Prakash Hospital in Greater Noida provides complete newborn and pediatric services to guide families through this crucial phase. To get advice about taking care of your newborn and guiding your child's health, you can meet Dr. Deepali Jain at Prakash Hospital. She has deep knowledge in this area and brings kindness to her work offering help to new parents during this important time. Book an appointment now to give your newborn the healthiest beginning possible.