Bollywood’s beloved couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their first-born baby girl, sparking joy among fans and parents alike. As new and expectant parents navigate this exciting chapter, adhering to essential newborn care guidelines is crucial for ensuring their baby’s health and well-being.

WHO's recommendations for newborn care

Delay first bath: Keep the baby dry and clean for at least 24 hours before the first bath.

Maintain warmth: Dress the baby in one or two more layers than adults and keep the head covered.

Health checks: Ensure the baby is tested for eye and hearing issues, as well as jaundice.

Umbilical care: Keep the umbilical cord dry without applying ointments.

Rooming-in: Keep the baby and mother together in the same room and allow feeding on demand.

Skin-to-skin contact: Maintain skin-to-skin contact as much as possible, especially in the early days.

Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water before handling the baby.

Recognize warning signs: Be aware of signs like poor feeding, fast breathing, or high temperature, and know where to seek help.

What does WHO advise on feeding young children? 

Only breastfeeding: Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months.

No additional fluids: Provide no fluids other than breast milk during this period.

Introduce solids: Begin introducing small, easy-to-digest foods at six months, continuing to breastfeed up to two years or beyond.

Variety and texture: Offer a range of foods needing chewing as the baby grows, including meats, fruits, vegetables, and eggs.

Feeding technique: Use a spoon for feeding and do so slowly and patiently.

Encouragement: Encourage eating without forcing and engage with the child during mealtime through eye contact.