Child Care Information

Child care plays a crucial role in a child’s development, shaping their emotional, social, and cognitive growth.

Breast Feeding Tips

Breast feeding should be initiated within half hour of birth and frequency should be on demand both during day and night.

Ensure at least 8-12 feedings in a day (24 hours).

Exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced in the first six months of life.

Newborn Care Tips

A vest, a full-sleeve frock, a napkin, a cap and socks would be required even in summer. In winter, 2 or 3 additional layers of woolen clothes are necessary. The baby should be wrapped in a double layer of cotton-sheet in summer and woolen blankets in winter. They should not be over clothed as well.

Babies pass watery stools after first 3-4 days of life especially after feeding which is normal for them.

Babies don’t need any kajal, Surma, Talcum powder or daily bath.

Dietary Advice

Age	Volume of feed & frequency	Food article options
0 – 6 months	Exclusive Breastfeeding	Not Applicable
6 – 12 months	Continue Breastfeeding and start complementary feeds as below:	Porridge, Thick Dal, Curd/ Yogurt, Animal Milk Khir/ Khichdi, Fresh Fruit juices, Mashed potatoes.
6 – 12 months	100gm – three times a day if breastfeeding & 5 times a day if not breast feeding.
12 months – 2 yrs	Continue Breastfeeding and complementary feeds as below:	All the above & solid food options like; Bread, Roti, Fruit pulps, Eggs, Shira, Upma.
12 months – 2 yrs	150gm – Five times a day

Oral Hygiene

Cleaning of Gum Pads

Before eruption of teeth, gum pads should be cleaned with a clean gauze piece wrapped on index fingers.

Use of Toothbrush

Begin using the toothbrush as soon as the first tooth erupts in the oral cavity.
Use toothbrush with soft nylon bristles.
Parents should brush their children’s teeth till the age of 6 years.

Commom Childhood Problems

Seek medical help in following situations

Blood in stools.
Sunken eyes, depressed sensorium and not passed urine for 8 hours.
Volume of stool loss is more than what can be replaced orally.
Persistent vomiting, Common Cold

Child Safety

For toddlers 12 months to 3 years

Choking on unsuitable foods and small items.
Falling out of a highchair, shopping trolley or pram or falling down stairs.
Being hit by vehicles in driveways.
Drowning in baths, unfenced swimming pools and spas.
Jumping off furniture and running into sharp objects.
Running onto the road without looking.