Caring for a newborn

Tips and information

• Wipe the baby dry and clean and delay the first bath for at least 24 hours
• Keep the baby warm with one or two layers of clothes more than adults and keep the head covered with a hat
• Have the baby tested for eye and hearing problems and for jaundice
• Keep the umbilical cord dry and, not applying anything on it, such as ointment
• Keep the baby and the mother together in the same room and allow the baby to feed on demand
• When the baby is small, keep the baby in skin-to skin contact as much as possible every day
• Wash hands with soap and water before handling the baby
• Know the danger signs and where to seek care, such as if the baby is not feeding well, has fast breathing or a high temperature