1. Oil Massage:
- Give your baby a gentle oil massage using natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil. Massaging helps in improving blood circulation, promoting relaxation, and strengthening bones and muscles.
2. Traditional Bathing:
- Opt for a traditional bath with lukewarm water using natural herbs like neem or chickpea flour (besan). This helps in keeping the baby’s skin soft, smooth, and free from rashes.
3. Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for your baby’s growth and immunity. Follow exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
4. Healthy Diet:
- If breastfeeding, focus on a nutritious diet including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and proteins to provide essential nutrients to your baby through breast milk.
- For formula-fed babies, ensure to choose a trusted brand of infant formula suitable for your baby’s age.
5. Proper Hygiene:
- Maintain proper hygiene by cleaning your baby’s hands, face, and diaper area regularly. Use mild baby wipes or cotton dipped in warm water for cleaning.
6. Babywearing:
- Consider babywearing using traditional Indian baby carriers like a saree or dupatta. This keeps your baby close and comfortable while allowing you to move around hands-free.
7. Traditional Weaning Foods:
- Introduce traditional weaning foods like mashed banana, rice porridge (kanji), homemade cerelac (sathu maavu), and lentil soups (dal ka pani) when starting solids.
8. Ayurvedic Remedies:
- Use Ayurvedic remedies like gripe water made with saunf (fennel seeds) for soothing colic or herbal powders for diaper rash (like neem or ashwagandha).
9. Cultural Practices:
- Embrace cultural practices such as massaging baby’s gums with honey and turmeric for teething or tying black thread (nazariya) for protection from evil eye (buri nazar).
10. Consulting with Elders:
- Seek advice from experienced elders within the family for time-tested baby care tips specific to Indian traditions and customs.
Remember, every baby is unique, so trust your instincts and enjoy the journey of motherhood while nurturing your little one with love and care!
