Understanding Newborn Reflexes and Care
Infant Reflexes
The Moro Reflex: Produced when the baby is startled by a sudden sound or movement.
Rooting and Sucking: When you touch the infant’s cheek, they turn their head toward the stimulus with their mouth open. If something is put in their mouth, they begin to suck.
Stepping/Walking Reflex: When the newborn is held upright with their feet touching a surface, they will lift their legs alternately as if walking. This reflex typically disappears within a month.
Palmar Grasp Reflex: When the baby’s palm is touched, they will try to grasp your finger. This reflex usually disappears around 4 weeks.
Precautions to Avoid Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
- Keep the baby away from drafts.
- Maintain the room at a proper temperature (22-24°C).
- Dress the baby in clothing appropriate for the temperature.
- Have a heat source available when undressing the baby.
Apgar Score
The Apgar score assesses:
- Heart rate
- Respiratory effort
- Muscle tone
- Response to stimuli
- Color
Identification of Baby and Mother
Place matching bracelets on both mother and child, stating:
- Mother’s name and surname
- Child’s sex
- Child’s name
- Date and time of birth
Ensure the bracelet is secure. In addition to the bracelet, record the newborn’s and mother’s footprints and the mother’s fingerprint.
Care to Detect Infections and Prevent Disease
- Eye care: Prevents eye infections acquired in the birth canal. Apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.
- Prophylaxis of hemorrhagic disease: Administration of vitamin K, either orally or parenterally, is needed because the newborn’s liver is immature and has a deficit of coagulation factors.
- Umbilical cord care: Wash during bathing and dry. Disinfect with 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine with each diaper change, or by wrapping with gauze. After detachment, follow the same pattern until healed.
Metabolic Prevention
Heel prick test: A blood sample is extracted from the heel to detect metabolic diseases that, while treatable, can cause irreversible mental retardation or sudden death if left undetected.
Dressing the Newborn
- Use comfortable clothing suitable for the child’s size.
- Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
- Opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen.
- Avoid garments with lint, seams, eyelets, buttons, ties, and belts.
- Do not overdress to prevent sweating.
- From 6 to 8 months, keep feet bare (without shoes). If it’s cold, use booties and socks. Shoes should be flexible and large enough to not cause pressure.
Milk Composition During Lactation
- First 12 days: Secretes colostrum, a yellow liquid rich in protein, vitamins, and immunoglobulins (immune system proteins).
- Between 13 and 30 days: Secretes transitional milk, with less fat and more protein and lactose than colostrum.
- From the second month onward: Secretes mature milk, providing a high caloric level.
Why Breast Milk is Best
Breast milk is the ideal way to feed the baby:
- It is tailored to their needs.
- It is very good for emotional and affective development.
- It benefits the mother’s health and comfort.
- The mother’s immunity is passed to the baby.
- It is more economical.
Feeding on Demand
When the baby is awake with increased activity, offer the breast, because when the baby is most irritated, it is more difficult for them to latch. Feeding on demand is controlled by the baby. Control every 3 hours.
Artificial Feeding (Formula)
These are pharmaceutical products used as a partial or complete replacement for human milk, providing an adequate supply of nutrients the baby needs.
- Starting Formula (Formula 1): For healthy infants from 1 to 6 months.
- Follow-on Formula (Formula 2): From 4 to 6 months, in conjunction with other foods. Less modified than Formula 1, as the digestive tract is more mature and can tolerate it.