Care of Newborn

Care of Newborn

First 24 hours is crucial for the newborn where most of the complication occur during that period.

Vital signs: Monitor cardio, pulmonary function and vital signs at frequent intervals.

Temperature: once a day, may be recorded 6 hourly if indicated.

Respiration: Normally regular, smooth and quite with a rate of about 30 - 60 breaths per minute. Any abnormality e.g:- grunting, dyspnoea may be noted.

Skin: Look for cyanosis, jaundice and dehydration.

Head, eyes mouth – must be inspected for any abnormalities and infection.

Umbilical cord: check daily for any inflammation, discharge, smell. Cord usually comes out by 6 – 7 days.

Stool: Number, color and character of stools should be noted. First stool known as meconium is dark, greenish viscid substance. After Subsequent to feeding of the baby, the color of stool changes to brownish yellow.

Urine: Usually passed during or shortly after birth. Most infant pass urine within first 24hours. Urine may stain napkin pink due to the heavy deposits of urates. Napkins should be changed immediately following soiling and local parts are cleaned and kept dry.

Feeding: Encourage demand feeding baby should be breast fed every 3 – 4 hours. Any abnormality like vomiting, distension should be noted.

Underfeeding: It is diagnosed by (1) failure to gain in weight.(2) dissatisfied with feeds (e.g) cry, disturbed sleep, (3) constipation or frequent small stool (or) scanty urine.

Overfeeding: usually occurs at the end of first week. Diagnosed by (1) vomiting soon after feeding, (2) frequent loose bulky stool with undigested curds (3) excoriation over buttock.

Clothing: Should be appropriate for climate.