'Take more care of newborns in changing season'

LUDHIANA: With the city observing 'Newborn care week' from November 15 to November 21, doctors have suggested a to-do list for mothers especially considering the changing weather.
According to doctors, the number of newborn patients has increased with dipping temperature. About 80% of cases being reported in hospital OPDs and clinics are of respiratory diseases.
"Major problems being faced by newborns and young kids are those of bronchial asthma, broncho-pneumonia and bronchitis. So mothers, grandparents and caretakers need to be more cautious about the health of babies," said Dr GS Dhooria, consultant pediatrician, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.
According to doctors, it is most important to keep room temperature up to 26 degree celsius all the time during the season to avoid hypothermia or pneumonic problems, cold and cough etc. Layering should be kept in mind on priority and food should be freshly made."
"During this changing season, newborns are most prone to cold, lower respiratory problems and diarrheal infections. Critical care is needed from the side of caregivers. Mothers often mistake by giving warm water to the child, it should be avoided and temperature should be brought to normal," said Dr Baldeep Singh, a renowned pediatrician from Model Town.
To Do list for New Mothers:
Maintain room temperature up to 26 C especially during night
Family members having cold and cough should not come near newborns
If mother is suffering from cold and cough, she should use mask while breastfeeding
If the child is on bottle feeding, caregiver should make fresh milk before feeding the child
Hands should be washed before touching the child
Don't try any medication without discussing pediatricians