Your Guide to Confident and Calm Parenting in the Early Days

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a deeply emotional and life-changing experience. While it brings immense joy, it also comes with countless questions, responsibilities, and moments of self-doubt. As a trusted pediatrician in Kolkata, Dr. Saheli Dasgupta believes that informed parents are confident parents. Here’s a practical guide to help ease your transition into early parenthood.

1. Gentle Bathing for Your Newborn

Your baby doesn’t need a bath every day. In the early days, 2–3 sponge baths per week with lukewarm water are sufficient. Always support your baby’s head and neck during bathing, and use mild, fragrance-free cleansers designed for newborn skin.

2. Breastfeeding for Better Immunity and Growth

Breast milk offers unmatched nutrition and strengthens your baby’s immune system. Try to feed every 2–3 hours or based on your baby’s cues. If you’re experiencing discomfort or challenges, Dr. Saheli can help with personalized lactation guidance and support.

3. Prioritize Safe Sleeping Habits

Place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm surface without pillows, blankets, or soft toys. This greatly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes safer sleep for your little one.

4. Monitor Diaper Output

A healthy newborn typically has 6–8 wet diapers per day, a strong indicator of adequate hydration and feeding. Keep an eye on bowel movements too—both frequency and texture can offer insight into your baby’s digestive health.

5. Schedule Regular Pediatric Visits

Routine checkups in the first few months are essential for tracking weight gain, developmental milestones, skin health, and early reflexes. Dr. Saheli provides thorough assessments and answers all your questions so you feel reassured every step of the way.

6. Foster Emotional Bonding

Spend quality time holding, talking, and smiling at your baby. These small but powerful interactions support early brain development and emotional security, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and connection.

Final Thought

The newborn phase can feel overwhelming—but with compassionate medical care and the right guidance, it becomes a journey filled with trust, growth, and meaningful milestones. Dr. Saheli Dasgupta is here to walk this journey with you, offering professional expertise and heartfelt support at every stage.