How to avoid common health issues in newborns?

"Key areas to focus on for a newborn’s health and safety are – - Feeding on demand and ensuring the baby is getting enough milk and is not going hungry for long. - Safety while sleeping to avoid SIDS. - Recognising danger signs and being proactive to mitigate the danger. - Maintaining hygiene is very important for a baby’s immunity, which is very low, and they are prone to infections. "

A baby is born with an immature immune system. The very little immunity they have comes from the mother through the birth canal and breast milk. A baby’s immunity starts developing through exposure to pathogens in the environment and vaccinations. The immune system starts learning to defend the baby and gets stronger with time.

Breastmilk is rich in antibodies, thus offering the baby protection from infections and diseases. The mother’s body will produce antibodies based on the pathogens to which it is exposed on the baby’s skin. However, the baby does not have a developed immune system that can make its antibodies yet. So, though breastmilk offers protection, a baby is still prone to illnesses.

If your newborn is less than 3 months old and is suffering from a high fever that won’t break with mild medications, you need to seek medical attention immediately. A fever in a newborn is a strong symptom of an infection, and it can progress quickly. Starting the right treatment without any delay is crucial.