Newborn Care in the Hospital: What to Expect

Welcoming a newborn is an exciting and emotional time, and having the best child specialist in Siliguri by your side ensures your little one gets the best start in life. Many parents feel nervous about what to expect in the hospital, from feeding and bathing to check-ups and vaccinations. Understanding the steps of newborn care in the hospital can help you feel more confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy those first precious moments with your baby.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens right after birth and how your hospital team ensures your baby’s smooth transition from womb to world.

1. The First Few Minutes After Birth
Right after your baby is born, a team of nurses and pediatric specialists steps in to make sure your little one is healthy and adjusting well.

Here’s what usually happens in the first few minutes:

• Clearing the Airways: Your baby’s nose and mouth are gently cleaned to help them breathe properly

• Initial Cry: That first cry is a beautiful sign, it means your baby’s lungs are working fine.

• Apgar Score: Doctors check the baby’s heart rate, breathing, reflexes, muscle tone, and color at one and five minutes after birth. This test helps them understand how well your baby is adapting.

• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Soon after, your baby is placed on your chest. This helps with bonding, stabilizes body temperature, and makes breastfeeding easier.

It’s a magical time, a mix of emotion and relief, as your baby takes their first breaths surrounded by care and warmth.

2. First Health Checks and Measurements
Once your baby is stable, nurses and doctors carry out some gentle but important procedures:

• Weighing and Measuring: Your newborn’s weight, length, and head circumference are recorde

• Temperature Check: Babies lose body heat quickly, so their temperature is checked regularly.

• ID Bands: Matching identification bands are placed on both you and your baby to ensure safety.

These initial assessments are routine but extremely important for tracking your baby’s growth and development from the very beginning.

3. Cord Care and First Cleaning
The umbilical cord, which connected your baby to you during pregnancy, will be clamped and cut shortly after birth.

The remaining stump usually dries and falls off within a couple of weeks.
In the hospital, staff maintain a clean and dry environment to prevent infections. You’ll also be shown how to care for it at home. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

Your baby might also get a gentle sponge bath after a few hours or the next day, once they are warm and stable.

4. Baby’s First Feeding

Feeding is one of the most important parts of newborn care. If you’re breastfeeding, the hospital staff, often guided by a pediatrician or lactation consultant, will help you position your baby and ensure they latch properly.

That first feed, called colostrum, is packed with nutrients and antibodies that boost your baby’s immunity.

For mothers who choose or need to bottle-feed, doctors will guide you on formula preparation, sterilization, and feeding schedules to ensure your baby gets the right nutrition.

5. Baby’s First Medical Treatments
Within the first 24 hours, your baby receives a few essential medical interventions to protect their health:

• Vitamin K Injection: Prevents bleeding disorders.
• Eye Drops or Ointment: Protects against infection from bacteria during birth.
• First Vaccines: Depending on hospital protocol, your baby may receive the first dose of BCG, Hepatitis B, or Polio vaccines.

The staff will explain each step and record them in your baby’s health chart for your reference.

6. Monitoring and Observations in the First 24 to 48 Hours
During the first couple of days, your baby’s health is closely observed to make sure everything is normal.
Doctors and nurses monitor:

• Breathing patterns
• Heart rate and oxygen levels
• Jaundice signs (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Feeding and digestion
• Urine and stool output

If your baby was born early, had a difficult delivery, or needs extra care, they may spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU team ensures round-the-clock monitoring with specialized equipment designed for newborns.

7. Care for the Mother and Baby Together
Hospitals today encourage rooming-in, where the baby stays in the same room as the mother instead of the nursery.

This practice has many benefits:

• It strengthens emotional bonding.
• It helps you learn your baby’s cues and feeding patterns early.
• It promotes breastfeeding on demand.

Nurses are always around to guide you, from diaper changes to burping techniques, helping you feel confident before heading home.

8. Understanding Newborn Behavior
Every newborn behaves differently, and it can be overwhelming to interpret their cries or movements at first. But don’t worry, most of it is completely normal.

Here are a few common newborn behaviors you’ll notice in the hospital:

• Sleeping a lot: Newborns sleep 16–18 hours a day.
• Frequent feeding: They need small, regular feeds every 2–3 hours.
• Startle reflex: Sudden arm or leg movements are natural responses.
• Crying: It’s their only way to communicate hunger, discomfort, or the need for warmth.

Doctors and nurses will explain these patterns so you can better understand your baby’s needs.

9. Newborn Screening Tests
Before discharge, hospitals conduct some standard screening tests to rule out hidden health issues. These may include:

• Metabolic screening: Detects rare but serious conditions like thyroid or enzyme disorders.
• Hearing test: Ensures your baby can hear properly.
• Jaundice screening: Checks bilirubin levels in the blood.

These screenings are quick, safe, and vital for early detection of any concerns.

10. Preparing for Discharge
Before you go home, your doctor or pediatrician will do a final check-up to confirm that your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and free from any health concerns.
 
You’ll receive a discharge summary that includes:

• Birth details and weight
• Vaccination record
• Feeding instructions
• Follow-up appointment date

This is also the best time to ask questions about bathing, sleeping positions, or any doubts you may have. The hospital team is there to help you feel confident and ready for the next stage.

11. First Pediatric Visit
Once you’re home, your baby will need a follow-up visit, usually within the first week. This visit helps track weight, feeding, and growth, and the pediatrician will check for signs of jaundice or infection.
Make sure to note any questions about feeding patterns, stool changes, or sleep, your doctor will be happy to address them.

12. Tips for Parents During Hospital Stay
Keep your baby warm and comfortable.

• Maintain good hygiene, and wash your hands before touching the baby.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions; no concern is too small.
• Try to rest whenever possible, recovery is important for you, too.
• Trust your instincts, you know your baby better than you think.

Conclusion
The first few days in the hospital can feel full of emotions, learning, and new experiences. Knowing what to expect can make everything easier and less stressful. You’ll see your baby feeding, sleeping, and slowly adjusting to the world, and you’ll also start learning how to care for them with confidence. The hospital team will support you every step of the way, helping you feel reassured and prepared for life at home. For expert newborn care in Siliguri, you can trust Dr. Brahma Dev to guide you and your baby safely through these first important days.