My Baby and Me

If the baby is not kept warm, she/he must spend energy to produce heat and will have less energy for weight gain. The head is the part from where maximum heat is lost. Hence, a baby should wear a cap. Palms and soles are the other areas from where heat is lost. Therefore, in cold weather, using mittens and socks is advised. However, in hot weather, the layers of clothes can be reduced, and a thin, light vest should suffice. It is alarming if a baby is cold to touch, especially during the first few hours of life. Newborn babies during this period should not be allowed to get cold because newborn babies' response to any stress, such as low sugar or infection, increases by lowering the temperature, placing them at higher risk. Keep babies warm by layering clothes and swaddling them with a blanket. However, if they continue to be cold, advice from healthcare providers should be sought. Skin-to-skin care, also called "kangaroo mother care," can be provided following the right steps, which will be taught before discharge in case of preterm or low birth weight babies. Perhaps, it will be practiced for many days before discharge. Mothers should continue this even at home. 45

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