About newborn care at Genesiss
In short: Book your baby’s first check-up within 3–5 days of birth. We check weight, feeding, jaundice, the cord, hips, heart and eyes, start the vaccination card and explain exactly what is normal — and when to call us.
We welcome newborns for their first check-up and follow-up visits, wherever they were born. Dr. Abhishek S. Gowdar is a Consultant Neonatologist from Cloudnine Hospital, trained in the care of newborns including premature and low-birth-weight babies. He consults at Genesiss daily from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Our hospital has an in-house Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Please bring your discharge summary and any test results from the birth hospital to the first visit.
Your baby’s check-up timeline
| When | What happens at the visit |
|---|---|
| Birth – day 2 | Head-to-toe examination, vitamin K, birth vaccines (BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B), hearing and metabolic screening as advised |
| Day 3 – 5 | Weight check, jaundice assessment, feeding and latch review, umbilical cord care |
| 2 weeks | Back to birth weight? Feeding, sleep, stools and any worries |
| 6 weeks | Full examination including hips and eyes, growth chart, first round of vaccines |
Newborn screening
Simple screening tests pick up rare but important conditions early, when treatment works best. These usually include a hearing test (ideally before one month of age) and a blood spot test for conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism and G6PD deficiency. We explain which tests your baby needs and arrange them.
What’s normal and when to call us
Every baby is different, but these guides help parents tell everyday newborn behaviour from signs that need a doctor.
| Sign | Usually normal | Call us or come in the same day |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, waking for feeds | Refusing feeds, too sleepy to feed, vomiting every feed |
| Wet nappies | At least 6 a day after day 5 | Fewer than 6 wet nappies, or dark urine |
| Stools | Black meconium in the first 2 days, then yellow and seedy | Pale, white or clay-coloured stools, or blood in the stool |
| Skin colour | Mild yellow from day 2–3, fading by 2 weeks | Yellow in the first 24 hours, or spreading to tummy, arms or legs |
| Breathing | Irregular, with short pauses under 10 seconds | Fast breathing, grunting, or blue or grey lips |
| Temperature | 36.5–37.5°C | 38°C or higher, or below 36.5°C |
| Weight | Small loss in the first week, back to birth weight by about 2 weeks | Continuing weight loss after the first week |
What We Offer
- Head-to-toe newborn examinationWithin the first days of life and again at the first follow-up, including hips, heart, eyes and reflexes.
- Jaundice assessmentSkin check and a bilirubin test when needed, with clear guidance on whether treatment such as phototherapy is required.
- Newborn screeningHearing and blood-spot screening arranged and explained, with follow-up if a result needs a second look.
- Breastfeeding and feeding supportHelp with latch, feeding frequency, weight gain and formula questions.
- Birth vaccines and record cardBCG, OPV and Hepatitis B at birth, with your baby’s vaccination card started on day one.
When to bring your baby
Book a routine newborn check within the first week after birth, or within 48 hours of going home if you were discharged early. Come to emergency straight away if your baby:
- has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or feels unusually cold
- is feeding poorly, very sleepy or hard to wake
- has yellow skin in the first 24 hours, or yellow spreading to the tummy, arms or legs
- is breathing fast, grunting, or has blue lips
- has fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after day 5, or green vomit
Caring for your newborn at home
- Sleep: always on the back, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows, bumpers or soft toys in the cot.
- Cord care: keep it clean and dry; it usually falls off in 1–3 weeks. Don’t apply oil, powder or ash.
- Bathing: sponge baths until the cord falls off, then short, warm baths.
- Skin-to-skin: helps feeding, warmth and bonding — for both parents.
- Visitors: wash hands before holding the baby; keep anyone with a cold or fever away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my newborn have the first check-up after going home?
Within 3–5 days of birth, or within 48 hours of discharge if you went home early. This is when jaundice and weight loss are usually at their peak.
Is newborn jaundice normal?
Mild jaundice appearing after the first 24 hours is common and often settles in one to two weeks. Jaundice in the first day, jaundice that keeps rising, or a very sleepy baby needs checking the same day.
How much weight loss is normal in the first week?
Most babies lose some weight in the first few days and are back to birth weight by about two weeks. We weigh your baby at each visit and support feeding if weight gain is slow.
Which vaccines does my baby get at birth?
BCG, oral polio (OPV-0) and the first dose of Hepatitis B, as per the IAP schedule. The next vaccines are due at 6 weeks.
How often should a newborn feed?
Usually 8–12 times in 24 hours, including at night. Feeding on demand and checking wet nappies is the best guide that your baby is getting enough.
This page is for general information and doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor. See our medical disclaimer.