The first weeks with a newborn are full of advice, rituals and remedies passed down in good faith. A newborn is tiny and delicate, so a few traditional practices that look harmless can cause real harm. Below are the common ones, and what to do instead.
Feeding
Honey, ghutti, gripe water, sugar water or plain water as the first feed
The WHO advises only breast milk for the first 6 months, with no water, honey, ghutti or other liquids. Honey is especially risky under 1 year old, since it can carry spores that cause infant botulism. Other liquids can bring germs that cause diarrhoea, fill a small tummy so the baby suckles less and cut milk supply. Water is not needed even in hot weather for a breastfed baby. If your baby seems hungry or your milk seems low, ask a doctor or lactation consultant, rather than topping up with something else.
Throwing away the first milk (colostrum)
The thick yellowish first milk is full of antibodies and is the baby's first protection. Please feed it. It comes in small amounts, and that is normal and enough, because a newborn's stomach is tiny.
"The mother has no milk, so give formula or cow's milk."
Most mothers make enough milk, and the early days involve frequent feeding to build supply. Talk to a doctor, nurse or lactation counsellor before giving anything else. Plain cow's or buffalo milk is not suitable for babies under 1 year.
Eyes, skin and body care
Kajal or surma on the eyes
Many products contain lead, and hands that apply kajal near a baby's eyes can carry infection. Doctors advise against it. A black dot behind the ear or on the foot, for nazar, does no harm.
Applying anything to the cord
Powder, ghee, turmeric, ash or oil on the stump can cause infection. Keep it clean and dry. Our cord care guide has more.
Rough or hard massage, and "shaping" the head or nose
A gentle oil massage is fine and a lovely ritual. Pressing the head or nose, pulling limbs, or tossing and bouncing the baby can injure a newborn's soft bones and brain. Never shake a baby. Use a light touch and ask your paediatrician what oil they prefer. Some doctors advise against mustard oil on a newborn's skin.
Squeezing the swollen breasts of a newborn
Newborn boys and girls can have small, swollen breast buds in the first weeks, because of the mother's hormones. Some families squeeze the lump to drain "witch's milk". Squeezing can cause an abscess. Leave it alone, and it settles by itself.
Oil in the ears, nose or on the soft spot
Do not put oil, drops or anything inside the ears or nose, and do not put hot oil on the head. Clean only the outside.
Bathing right away, and hot water
The WHO advises waiting at least 24 hours before the first bath, to keep the baby warm. Use warm, not hot, water. Our cord care guide covers the baby's bath.
Sleeping and warmth
Pillows, thick quilts, and sleeping on the tummy
Many Indian homes have babies sleep on soft mattresses with pillows, bolsters and quilts. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death, put your baby to sleep on the back, on a firm, flat surface, with no pillow, loose blanket or soft toys. A cot or a firm bed beside you is safest. Avoid sleeping on a sofa with a baby.
Wrapping in layers, shutting every window and covering the head in summer
Babies need to stay warm, but too many layers, caps, socks and a closed, heated room can cause overheating, rashes and a higher risk of sudden infant death. Dress the baby in one more layer than you need. Feel the chest or the back of the neck: it should be warm, not sweaty. A tight swaddle can also affect breathing and the hips, so keep it loose around the legs.
"A baby with yellow skin just needs sunlight."
Mild jaundice is common in the first week, but it can also be a sign of a problem. Sunlight is not a reliable treatment, and sunbathing can cause overheating or burns. Please have the baby checked by a doctor if the skin or eyes look yellow, especially on the first day or after the first week, or if the baby is sleepy or feeds poorly.
Health and vaccines
Delaying vaccines because of a cold, or because a baby is small
Newborn vaccines (such as BCG, hepatitis B and oral polio at birth) and the schedule that follows protect against serious illness. A mild cold is usually not a reason to delay. Check with your paediatrician, and follow the Indian Academy of Paediatrics schedule.
Treating a fever or cough at home
For a baby under 3 months, a fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or above, fast breathing, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness is an emergency. Do not wait or try a home remedy first.
What is generally fine
- Nazar tika, black thread and prayers
- A gentle oil massage, with a doctor-approved oil
- Cutting the hair or nails when it is safe and the baby is calm. For nails, a baby nail clipper works best.
- Naming and other rituals, with fewer visitors and clean hands. See the visitor guide.
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