Caring for a newborn is a deeply rewarding yet challenging experience. Modern medicine and science provide plenty of guidelines for raising healthy babies, but in earlier times, newborn care in India was based on traditional wisdom passed down through generations. In this guide, we’ll provide essential newborn care tips while also highlighting how Indian moms in the 1950s took care of their little ones.
Modern Newborn Care Tips
- Feeding:
- Breastfeeding: It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed the baby for the first six months, as breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients and antibodies needed to protect the baby from infections.
- Formula Feeding: If breastfeeding isn’t possible, ensure the formula is mixed correctly and the bottles are sterilized after each use.
- Diapering:
- Keep the baby clean and dry by changing diapers regularly to avoid diaper rashes. Gently clean the baby’s bottom with wipes or a damp cloth and apply a barrier cream to prevent irritation.
- Sleeping:
- Babies need 14-17 hours of sleep daily. Lay the baby on their back to sleep, ensuring the crib has a firm mattress and no loose bedding or toys to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Follow the “rooming-in” method—having the baby sleep in your room but not in the same bed for safety.
- Bathing:
- A sponge bath is usually recommended until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off. Use lukewarm water and mild baby soap, and bathe the baby 2-3 times a week.
- Keep bath times short and ensure the baby is warm afterward.
- Comforting the Baby:
- Swaddling the baby in a light blanket can help the baby feel secure and reduce the startle reflex that can wake them.
- Babies love gentle motion, so rocking or patting them can be very soothing. Ensure skin-to-skin contact with the baby, which promotes bonding and warmth.
- Health and Doctor Visits:
- Newborns need frequent doctor visits for vaccinations and health check-ups. Stay updated with the baby’s immunization schedule.
- Monitor the baby’s growth, feeding patterns, and any signs of illness like fever, irritability, or abnormal bowel movements, and contact a doctor when necessary.
- Skin Care:
- Baby skin is sensitive, so use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic baby products. Regularly apply moisturizing lotion to prevent dryness.
Traditional Newborn Care Practices in India in the 1950s
Indian mothers in the 1950s followed many rituals and practices rooted in Ayurveda and ancient wisdom, passed down by generations of women in the family. These traditions were often based on keeping the baby safe, warm, and comfortable, while also nurturing the mother. Here’s how newborn care looked back then:
- Oil Massage (Abhyanga):
- A daily oil massage using warm mustard oil or coconut oil was an integral part of newborn care. This massage helped strengthen the baby’s muscles, improve blood circulation, and was believed to enhance the baby’s overall growth and immunity.
- The mother or grandmother usually performed the massage, followed by a warm bath using herbal-infused water or homemade soaps.
- Swaddling:
- Swaddling was common to help babies feel secure, mimicking the warmth and tightness of the womb. Cotton cloth or soft muslin was used to wrap the baby snugly, allowing them to sleep better.
- Belly Binding (Garbhandh):
- In some regions, newborns’ bellies were gently bound with soft cloth to protect their delicate navel area and aid in the healing of the umbilical stump.
- Colostrum Feeding:
- In the early days, Indian moms would prioritize feeding the baby colostrum (the first milk), as it was considered highly beneficial for the baby’s immune system and health.
- Warmth and Protection:
- Babies were kept in warm clothing and in well-heated rooms as newborns were considered delicate and susceptible to cold. Woolen caps, mittens, and blankets were frequently used, especially during the night.
- Protective measures, such as applying kohl (kajal) around the eyes or drawing a black dot on the baby’s cheek or forehead, were believed to ward off evil spirits or the “evil eye.”
- Herbal Baths and Care for Mother:
- The baby and mother were often bathed using water infused with herbs like neem, tulsi, or turmeric to promote healing and prevent infections.
- For the mother, postpartum care was equally important. Mothers were given special diets (usually rich in ghee and healing spices like turmeric and fenugreek) to restore strength and promote lactation.
- Japa Period:
- The first 40 days after birth, known as the “japa period,” were seen as a critical time for the mother and baby. During this time, the mother was encouraged to rest and recover fully, while being supported by female relatives. The baby was mostly kept indoors to protect them from infections.
- Ayurvedic Remedies:
- Indian moms in the 1950s used various herbal and natural remedies to treat common newborn issues. Gripe water (made from herbal mixtures) was used to treat colic and indigestion.
- Applying a small amount of ghee or oil in the baby’s nose or navel was believed to prevent dryness or discomfort.
- Introducing Solids:
- In the 1950s, weaning the baby typically began after six months with homemade, easily digestible foods like mashed rice, lentils, or ghee. This gradual introduction was done with a lot of care, ensuring the baby’s digestive system could handle new textures.
- Rituals and Celebrations:
- Several rituals marked the key milestones in a newborn’s life. The “Naamkaran” (naming ceremony) was usually held on the 11th day after birth, where the baby’s name would be announced, and blessings from elders were given.
- The “Annaprashan” ceremony, when the baby first ate solid food, typically occurred around six months.
Conclusion
Both modern and traditional methods of newborn care have their merits. Modern science provides us with essential guidelines backed by research, while the wisdom from the 1950s offers nurturing practices deeply rooted in culture and family bonds. A balanced approach can help new moms take the best care of their babies, combining the benefits of science with the warmth of tradition.
