1. What is neonatology?

Neonatology is a medical speciality focused on the care of newborn babies, especially those who need specialised medical attention.

2. When does a newborn need a NICU?

A baby may need NICU care if they are premature, have low birth weight or develop medical problems requiring close monitoring.

3. How often should a newborn have checkups?

The schedule depends on the baby's health, age and needs. Your paediatrician can recommend appropriate follow-up visits.

4. What are warning signs in a newborn?

Breathing difficulty, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, fever, bluish skin or sudden changes in behaviour require medical attention.

5. Does Maruti Hospital provide neonatal care?

Yes. Maruti Hospital provides Neonatology and NICU care for newborns who require specialised monitoring and treatment.

Neonatology

Newborn Care: What Parents Should Know

September 8, 2026 · By Maruti Hospital Neonatology Blog

The first few weeks with a newborn can be exciting, but they can also bring many questions for parents. Feeding, sleeping, crying, weight gain and general health are all things parents naturally pay close attention to.

Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, so they need careful attention and regular monitoring. Understanding basic newborn care can help parents feel more prepared and recognise when their baby may need medical advice.

1. Pay Attention to Feeding

Feeding is an important part of newborn care. Babies need regular feeds to support their growth and development.

Parents should pay attention to feeding patterns, the baby's ability to feed and signs that the baby is getting enough nourishment. If your newborn has difficulty feeding or seems unusually tired during feeds, speak with a healthcare professional.

2. Keep Track of Your Baby's Growth

Weight gain and overall growth are important indicators of a newborn's health. Your paediatrician or neonatologist may monitor your baby's weight, feeding and general development during follow-up visits.

Regular checkups can help identify concerns early and provide parents with guidance as the baby grows.

3. Maintain Good Hygiene

Newborns have developing immune systems, so maintaining good hygiene is important.

Parents and caregivers should:

Wash their hands before handling the baby.
Keep feeding and baby-care items clean.
Maintain a clean sleeping environment.
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Follow the healthcare team's advice on newborn hygiene.

Simple precautions can help reduce the risk of infections.

4. Know the Warning Signs

Parents should pay attention to changes in their newborn's feeding, breathing, activity and general behaviour.

Seek medical advice if your baby has:

Difficulty breathing
Poor or unusual feeding
Persistent vomiting
Fever or unusual temperature
Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
Bluish skin or lips
Significant changes in activity

If a newborn appears seriously unwell or their condition is getting worse quickly, seek medical attention without delay.

5. When Specialised Newborn Care May Be Needed

Some babies may need additional monitoring or specialised care after birth. This can include premature babies, babies with low birth weight or newborns who experience breathing, feeding or other medical problems.

Neonatal care provides closer monitoring and treatment when a newborn needs extra support. Access to a NICU can be particularly important for babies who require intensive observation or specialised medical care.

At Maruti Hospital, neonatal care is supported by specialised facilities and a 25-bed NICU, along with paediatric and intensive care support.