drjawd

[drjawd]

Newborn Care in Siliguri: A Pediatrician’s Advice for First-Time Parents

Becoming a parent for the first time is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. In the first few weeks of life, your newborn needs extra care, attention, and love — and as a pediatrician serving families in Siliguri, I know how many questions parents have in those early days.

This blog is here to offer clear, practical newborn care guidance, especially for parents in and around Siliguri who may be navigating both urban and semi-rural healthcare realities.

👶 What Makes Newborn Care So Important?

The first 28 days of life are known as the neonatal period — and they are critical for your baby’s survival and future health. During this time, your newborn’s body is adjusting to life outside the womb.

Proper care ensures: ✔ Protection from infections ✔ Healthy feeding and growth ✔ Development of strong immunity ✔ Emotional bonding with parents

🍼 1. Feeding – Breast is Best

✔ Start breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. ✔ Feed on demand — at least 8–12 times in 24 hours. ✔ Avoid giving honey, cow milk, or water in the first 6 months. ✔ If breastfeeding is difficult, consult your pediatrician or a lactation expert.

💡 Tip from Dr. Jawed: Babies may lose a little weight in the first week — this is normal. As long as feeding is regular and diapers are wet, your baby is getting enough.

🧣 2. Keep Your Baby Warm

Newborns cannot regulate body temperature like adults.

✔ Use soft, layered clothing based on weather. ✔ Avoid overheating — if you're comfortable, your baby likely is too. ✔ Keep your baby wrapped in a cotton or muslin sheet. ✔ Avoid direct fan or AC drafts.

🩺 In Siliguri's colder months, use a light cap and socks to keep babies warm — especially at night.

🧼 3. Hygiene & Skin Care

✔ Wash hands before handling your baby. ✔ Sponge bath until the cord falls off (usually 5–10 days). ✔ Use mild, fragrance-free baby products. ✔ Apply coconut oil or doctor-recommended moisturizer if skin is dry.

💡 Avoid using talcum powder or strong soaps.

💉 4. Vaccinations from Day 1

Your newborn needs their first vaccines before discharge or within a few days:

BCG – protection against tuberculosis

Hepatitis B

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

📌 Your pediatrician will guide you with a customized vaccination schedule — don’t skip it.

💩 5. Understanding Baby Poop & Pee

Newborn stool changes color and frequency in the first weeks.

✔ Greenish-black stool (meconium) in the first 2 days is normal ✔ Yellow, seedy stool is common in breastfed babies ✔ 6+ wet diapers/day = good hydration

📞 Call your doctor if:

No stool for more than 2 days

Blood in stool

Baby isn’t urinating for 8+ hours

😴 6. Sleep Patterns & Safe Sleep

Newborns sleep 14–17 hours a day — in short naps.

✔ Place baby on their back to sleep, not tummy ✔ Use a firm, flat surface — no pillows or soft toys ✔ Room-share, but don’t bed-share ✔ Expect frequent waking at night — it's normal

💡 In Siliguri's colder months, avoid too many blankets; use a warm swaddle or sleep sack.

😷 7. Watch for Danger Signs

Visit your pediatrician if your baby shows any of these signs:

High or low temperature

Fast breathing or chest in-drawing

Refuses to feed or is too sleepy

Yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice)

Vomiting or diarrhea

Convulsions or stiff limbs

⚠️ Don’t rely on home remedies — early medical attention can save lives.

🧠 8. Bonding & Early Development

✔ Hold, cuddle, and talk to your baby often ✔ Make eye contact ✔ Respond to cries with comfort ✔ Avoid screen exposure (even in background)

🧠 Your voice, touch, and smile are your baby’s best early learning tools!

🤱 9. Support for Mothers

Postpartum recovery matters too!

✔ Eat nutritious meals (protein, iron, calcium) ✔ Stay hydrated ✔ Take rest when the baby sleeps ✔ Ask for help from your spouse or family ✔ Attend follow-up appointments

💬 New moms in Siliguri — don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mental and physical well-being is just as important.

🩺 Visit Dr. Jawed Akhtar’s Clinic in Siliguri

As a pediatrician with years of experience in newborn care, I offer:

✅ Newborn check-ups ✅ Feeding & growth monitoring ✅ Vaccination guidance ✅ Parental counseling ✅ Emergency care support

📞 Contact:

📍 Location: Siliguri, West Bengal 📞 Phone / WhatsApp: 7001880885 / 7384678504 📧 Email: jawed.nrs50@gmail.com

🌟 Final Words

Being a new parent is not about perfection — it’s about being informed, supported, and patient. With the right care in these first weeks, your baby will thrive.

If you're a first-time parent in Siliguri, I invite you to visit our clinic or follow this blog for more trusted guidance.

[drjawd]

Growth & Development Milestones – Local Guide for Siliguri Parents

As a parent in Siliguri, watching your child grow and hit important milestones is one of life’s greatest joys. From their first smile to their first steps, every stage of childhood brings new excitement and questions. But how do you know if your child is developing at the right pace?

This local guide for Siliguri parents will help you understand key growth and developmental milestones – and when to seek expert support if needed.

👶 Understanding Growth vs. Development

Growth refers to physical changes – height, weight, and head size.

Development involves acquiring new skills – like smiling, talking, walking, and learning.

Both are important indicators of a healthy child, and they vary from child to child. However, there are general milestones that most children reach at similar ages.

🍼 Birth to 12 Months: The Infant Phase

Growth: Rapid weight gain, doubling birth weight by 5-6 months.

Developmental Milestones:

3 Months: Smiles at faces, follows movement with eyes.

6 Months: Rolls over, babbles, reaches for toys.

9 Months: Sits without support, responds to name.

12 Months: Stands with support, says simple words like “mama” or “dada”.

Tip for Siliguri Parents: Visit your pediatrician for monthly check-ups during the first year. Clinics like Dr. Jawed’s in Siliguri provide excellent milestone tracking and early assessments.

🚼 1 to 3 Years: The Toddler Years

Growth: Steady height and weight gain; appetite may vary.

Developmental Milestones:

18 Months: Walks independently, follows simple instructions.

2 Years: Uses two-word phrases, runs, begins potty training.

3 Years: Climbs, speaks in short sentences, shows emotions.

Local Insight: Siliguri’s child care centers and early learning programs can help toddlers with cognitive and social development through play-based activities.

🧒 3 to 5 Years: Preschool Age

Growth: Gains 4–5 pounds and 2–3 inches each year.

Developmental Milestones:

Can dress and undress with help.

Draws basic shapes and copies letters.

Understands time concepts like “yesterday” and “soon.”

Begins to play cooperatively with others.

Did You Know? Siliguri has several reputable preschools and play schools that focus on holistic development. Consider choosing one that also partners with pediatricians for developmental monitoring.

📘 When to Talk to a Pediatrician

Some variation in development is normal, but consult a pediatrician if:

Your child isn’t meeting multiple milestones in their age group.

There are sudden regressions (e.g., stops speaking).

There’s lack of eye contact, poor response to sound, or minimal interaction.

At Dr. Jawed’s Clinic in Siliguri, early intervention and personalized support plans are available to guide you and your child toward healthy growth.

✅ Final Thoughts for Siliguri Parents

Parenting in today’s world can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at each age gives you confidence. Siliguri offers a growing network of pediatric support, developmental care, and educational resources – all you need is the right guidance.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but early attention makes a big difference. If you have any concerns about your child’s growth or development, don’t hesitate to schedule a check-up.