​Motion: 

Your babies' stool will change from black to brown to yellow by the first week of life. They may also have a variety of colours, textures and odours. The normal stool frequency may vary from several times a day to once every few days. Babies may have funny behaviors when they defecate, this does not mean that they are constipated or in pain. Most babies are learning how to coordinate their bowel movements- they squeeze their bottoms closed when they pushed instead of relaxing. However, if you see blood, mucus in their stools, please seek medical attention.


Newborn screening:
Your baby would have been screened for (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) G6PD deficiency, congenital hypothyroidism, hearing loss and inborn errors of metabolism. Your doctor will inform you if any are abnormal. Please inform them if there is a family history of these diseases and follow their instructions on how to take care of your baby.


Nose:
All babies have the snuffles and sometimes they may make noises when they sleep. This is because they are unable to clear their nose passage which is blocked with dried mucus. Clean your babies' nose regularly so that they can sleep better.


Rashes:
Pimply rashes are very common after the baby is discharged, these are due to hormonal changes in the body and they are very much like pimples. Clean these with water and they will improve. If they persist and the baby is unwell, please seek medical attention.


Sleeping:
Always lay your newborn on their back, facing up to sleep. Vary the sleep position to avoid flattening the skull. Newborns can sleep up to 16 hours a day and frequently they may have day-night reversal. Please use the time to sleep with your newborn while she sleeps. We do not advice letting your newborn sleep in your bed.

​Dear Parents,

Congratulations on your new baby. We understand that the coming weeks will be an exciting time and hopefully you and your baby will have a smooth transition to the home environment. You will get advice from many people, as well as the internet.


However, some advice may conflict with the current medical care which we provide for your baby as medical care progress over the years. Hence, by reading through this, we hope to provide with some practical advice on your baby's care.


The following ABCs will help to address your baby's immediate care.
 
Appointment: 
Your baby will need an early jaundice check up within the 1st 5 days of life. If otherwise well, the baby will be next seen at either 6 weeks or later for the next vaccinations and health check-up.
 
Bathing: 
In the hot humid weather, your baby will enjoy bathing and their hair can be washed as well. Use a mild soap to bathe the baby regularly. You may attend our post-natal parent craft class to learn how to bathe your little one.
 
Breast feeding:
We recommend breast feeding for all infants. And breast feeding should be given on demand. We recommend you refer to the breastfeeding information booklet available in your discharge bag entitled: "Mummy, you have milk" for  some advice on breastfeeding. Alternatively, you may consult our lactation hotline at 97220376 for personalized advice.
 
Burping:
Babies should be gently burped after feedings and occasionally during feeds. Do not let the baby continuously and then feed, this will increase the chance of the baby spitting up. Burp them so that the air will be released to decrease spitting up.
 
Car Seats:
Car seats are mandatory for children under 8 years of age. The correct placement of infant car seats is rear facing in the second row. You may be fined by the Traffic Police and demerit points may be given if you failed to secure your child.
 
Crying: 
Babies can cry on average of 3-5 hours per day. However, you cannot "spoil" a newborn by carrying them. Crying is their only means to express their emotions and wants. Some babies cry when they are wet, tired, hungry, cold, hot, lonely, uncomfortable or overfed. If you are unable to console your baby and the crying episode is different or more prolonged than usual. Do check a temperature and seek medical opinion. Also if your baby is not crying  / lethargic despite attempts to rouse him, please seek a medical opinion.