Care of a healthy newborn

Question 1

Where is the newborn placed after birth?

Answer 1

The newborn is placed on the mother’s chest, as the first skin-to-skin contact is important.

Question 2

Care of the umbilical cord after birth.

Answer 2

The umbilical cord is clamped 2-3 cm away from the newborn’s skin and cut or severed with a sterile instrument once it stops pulsating, while the newborn is lying on the mother’s chest (usually within the first 1-3 minutes of life).

Question 3

Umbilical cord care over the later neonatal period.

Answer 3

The umbilical cord is cleaned with water 1-2 times a day and dried. After the umbilical cord falls off, the navel wound is also cleaned until it heals.

Question 4

Newborn skin care after birth.

Answer 4

After birth, the newborn’s skin is gently dried. Blood or meconium on the skin is gently wiped off. As much of the unwashed vernix caseosa as possible is left on the skin, as it should naturally absorb into the skin.

Question 5

What is the cause of miliaria?

Answer 5

Blockage of sweat glands.

Question 6

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Answer 6

Yellowish-gray scaly plaques on the hairy part of the head, forehead, and ears.

Question 7

What causes diaper/nappy dermatitis?

Answer 7

It is caused by diaper moisture, heat, urine and feces, as well as environmental factors.

Question 8

What is important to know before preparing for newborn’s bath (preparation, first time, the bathing process itself)?

Answer 8

• The first bath for a newborn can take place right after birth once the body temperature stabilizes (36.5–37.5°C).
• Use tap water at 37°C (not boiled, without potassium permanganate).
• Bathing should be done 2-3 times a week.
• Skin hydration – use sunflower, jojoba, almond, sesame, or wheat germ oils as needed.
• Soap should be used 1-2 times a week (with moisturizing oils).
• Bathing can also be done before the umbilical cord falls off.

Question 9

Infant colic - when and how often does it occur?

Answer 9

• It can occur from the third week of life.
• Most commonly in infants under 3 months old.
• Crying in a healthy baby without an obvious cause, lasting ≥3 hours per day, ≥3 days per week.

Question 10

Clinical features of infant colic.

Answer 10

• Sudden (clear onset and end)
• Most commonly occurs in the evenings
• The crying during colic is louder and higher-pitched than usual
• More like screaming than crying
• The baby is very difficult to calm down
• The baby appears healthy

Question 11

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention

Answer 11

• The newborn should be put to sleep only on their back.
• Parents should not sleep with the newborn in a chair or narrow bed.
• The risk of sudden infant death syndrome is especially increased for babies under 11 weeks old if they sleep in the same bed as the parents, especially when the parents:
• Are smokers
• Consume alcohol
• Use sleeping medications
• Are very tired.