Bengaluru: Anxious new parents and guardians might have to let go of a few myths when it comes to infants and neonates, which is only causing more harm than good for the baby. "The newborn should be kept in an airy room and hydrated," advises Dr Asha Benakappa, Director, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health.
“Our institute has not seen any severe dehydration cases among neonates and newborns, but awareness about the importance of breast milk and its role in keeping dehydration at bay is crucial,” she says.
“Babies lose 10% of their body weight in the first ten days naturally and that is not a reason to hit the panic button. Improper feeding and formula feeds can cause more harm to the baby and they might catch diarrhoea. Also, the baby should not be kept warm on hot days," warns Dr Bhaskar Shenoy, HoD Pediatrics, Manipal Hospital. "New mothers and pregnant women should have adequate liquids, soups and fluids. Cow milk, formula milk and feeds can also lead to hypernatremic dehydration in the newborns. New mothers should stick to breast milk," he advises.
Dr Anita Mohan, Gynaultat gynaecologist, says pregnant women and new mothers should increase their water intake which also reduces the chances of them having urinary tract infection. "Pregnant women should avoid the sun and have lots of water and water-based drinks, like buttermilk and tender coconut. For new mothers since breast milk is the only source of nutrition for babies, they should keep themselves hydrated to prevent dehydration in newborns," says Dr Anita.
Do’s & don’ts
- Do not wrap the child too much
- Keep the infant's room well-ventilated and airy
- Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies till six months, post which homemade food and breast milk should be continued until two years.
- Pregnant women should have a regular check-up for iron and calcium.
- There should be no food restrictions unless she is allergic.
- New mothers should keep themselves hydrated and should not fear bloating
For infants above six months
- Electrolyte powders are available but they should be properly diluted
- Tender coconut water
- Dal water with salt
- Vegetable soup with salt
- Butter milk with salt
