Premature Baby Care: 3 Ways to Help Your Baby Stay Healthy
Premature baby care starts with limiting germs, giving enough breast milk or formula and keeping to the immunization schedule. Read all 3 tips here.
A premature baby's immune system is not yet at full strength, which leaves the baby open to infections. It falls to the parents to keep their child healthy. So what can a mother do, as part of caring for a premature baby, to keep illness away? Read on.
How to Help Your Baby Avoid Illness
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Keep Your Baby Away From Sick People
A baby's immune system is still vulnerable, so the baby can easily catch illnesses from people nearby. Flu and coughs are among the illnesses that spread easily and can infect a baby. Adults can usually handle these illnesses with ease, but they are more dangerous for babies, especially those born prematurely.
If many relatives come to visit the baby, make sure none of the visitors have an infection that could spread. There is a risk that an outsider's touch becomes a source of disease. Make it a habit for visitors to wash their hands before they hold the baby.
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Give Enough Nutrition With Breast Milk or Formula
Getting enough nutrition is one way of caring for a premature baby to keep illness away. Premature babies need plenty of nutrients, especially from breast milk, because it contains substances that boost a baby's immunity. For premature babies, mothers are even advised to breastfeed at least 8 to 10 times a day.
What if a mother's milk supply is low? Talk to your doctor. In that case you will usually be advised to give your baby formula, and the brand you choose must suit your baby's needs. Check with your doctor before choosing a formula.
Even if you give formula, that does not mean you can stop giving breast milk. Breast milk is still the main source of nutrition, and formula is only a supplement. Formula usually contains more calories, so it can be a source of energy for the baby.
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Follow the Immunization Schedule Your Doctor Recommends
For premature babies, a minor illness can turn serious, so mothers must follow every immunization as their doctor advises. This is one of the most effective ways of caring for a premature baby to keep illness away. You should also talk to your doctor first.
Follow the three tips above to keep your baby healthy. You can also visit the Mitu Baby Care website, which offers plenty of information to help you care for a newborn. You can find answers to any question about caring for a newborn there.
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