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Looking After Underweight Babies

One of the most sad and depressing moments in a new parents life is when their newborn baby is born underweight. The frustration of having a baby whose weight is not normal compared to other newborns can run very deep in emotionally, thus causing a ruckus in mind. One important thing these parents should keep in mind is that, they are not the only ones who are going through this situation. These parents would understand that it is a part and parcel of life and getting through this phase in your child's life should be done with extra care and support from each other.

Newborns who are born underweight are very delicate in nature and these little beings are more prone to getting sick easily. Therefore, handling and looking after a newborn who is underweight is not at all easy though many would tell you that it is. Parents who have a newborn that is underweight know exactly the pressure and the torment they are going through. Therefore, we have put together some of the ways in which you can look after and handle your baby who is underweight in the uttermost perfect way.

Take a look at some of these parenting tips for newborns who are underweight.

Breast feeding

Breast feeding

If your newborn baby is underweight, the mother should try to breast-feed him/ her at short intervals.. It is said that premature babies grow faster than normal babies and hence require far more nutrients than a normal baby.

Carrying Them

Carrying Them

It is important for new parents to take a lot more care when they hold their underweight baby in their arms. These babies are tiny so handling them requires a lot of care. Make sure you take utmost care when lifting their head.

Sleep Positions

Sleep Positions

It is time to take little more caution when it comes to their sleep patterns. Babies who are underweight is more prone to developing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Hence these babies should never be made to sleep on their stomach.

Feeding

Feeding

New mothers, you should note that you may be required to feed an underweight baby more often. The reason simply being that they do not have the reserves as that of a normal baby.

Hygiene

Hygiene

When you bring your underweight baby home, make sure that the environment of your home is clean. Clean environment prevents your baby from contacting any diseases. Keeping your baby clean is also important.

Sick People

Sick People

Avoid the contact of your newborn baby with any sick person because the immunity levels are really low. Hence they are quick to catch up on an infection.

Vitamins

Vitamins

Your newborn should be given vitamins, iron, folic acid, calcium and different healthy tonics to boost strength and gain weight.

Only Parents

Only Parents

Till your newborn picks up on his/ her weight and health, do not let anyone else carry your little one. The baby should not be exposed to relatives, friends and any other people except the parents.

Story first published: Wednesday, August 28, 2013, 18:35 [IST]
Read more about: baby parenting