Question

What precautions should be taken during the care of newborns with tetanus?

Answer

Key points for caring for newborns with tetanus are as follows:

  1. During feeding, position the baby on a slope and observe their facial color, breathing, and swallowing. After feeding, hold the baby for a while before placing them on their right side, and observe for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent suffocation and vomiting. Gradually increase the amount of milk and feeding frequency until they return to normal.
  2. Bathe the baby in warm water daily and massage the spasming muscles with your hands. This not only keeps the skin clean and dry, making the baby feel comfortable but also reduces the excitability of the nervous system and spasms. At the same time, hold the baby more often and touch their skin more to satisfy their “skin hunger,” promoting physical and mental recovery.