Paediatric Care Archives - aarogyahospitalchd.com

Safe transfer of a sick newborn to a NICU at Aarogya Hospital Chandigarh

How to Transfer a Sick Newborn Safely Between Hospitals

Amanpreet / October 22, 2026

How to Transfer a Sick Newborn Safely Between Hospitals Sometimes, a newborn baby needs special medical care. The current hospital may not have the right treatment or equipment. In this case, doctors may suggest moving the baby to another hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, moving a sick newborn needs careful planning. The baby needs trained medical staff, proper equipment, and safe transport. Premature babies and babies with low birth weight need extra care. Babies with breathing problems may also need special support during travel. Therefore, doctors must check the baby’s health before the journey. Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh, near PGI Chandigarh, provides families with a place to ask about newborn care and NICU services. Families and referring doctors can contact the hospital to discuss the baby’s needs and available care. When Does a Newborn Need to Move to Another Hospital? Doctors may suggest moving a baby when the current hospital cannot provide the care the baby needs. Here are some common reasons: Premature birth: Babies born too early may need help with breathing, feeding, and staying warm. Low birth weight: Small babies may need help with feeding, body temperature, and blood sugar. Breathing problems: Some babies need oxygen or help from a breathing machine. Serious infections: Babies with severe infections may need antibiotics and close medical care. Problems during birth: Some babies need special care after a difficult birth. Severe newborn jaundice: High bilirubin levels may need quick treatment. Brain problems: Babies who do not get enough oxygen around birth may need special treatment and close monitoring. The doctor will decide whether the baby needs to move to another hospital. This decision depends on the baby’s health and the care available at the current hospital. How to Transfer a Sick Newborn Safely Between Hospitals A sick newborn needs special care during travel. Doctors must prepare the baby, arrange safe transport, and check the baby’s health throughout the journey. 1. Check the Baby Before Travel First, doctors check the baby’s breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, and general health. They may also check blood sugar and blood flow. If the baby has breathing problems, doctors may provide breathing support before travel. They may also treat low blood sugar or other serious problems. Doctors should make the baby as stable as possible before the journey. However, they should not delay urgent treatment when waiting could put the baby at risk. 2. Arrange Trained Medical Staff A sick newborn may need trained medical staff during the journey. Depending on the baby’s condition, the team may include a doctor or a nurse with newborn care training. The team must know how to care for the baby and respond to emergencies. The current hospital should also speak with the new hospital before the journey. This helps the receiving team prepare for the baby’s arrival. 3. Use the Right Medical Equipment Some babies need special equipment during travel. The medical team will choose the equipment based on the baby’s needs. This equipment may include: Transport incubator: Keeps the baby warm during travel. Oxygen supply: Gives extra oxygen when needed. Breathing support: Helps the baby breathe when needed. Monitoring devices: Check the baby’s heartbeat and oxygen levels. Infusion pumps: Give fluids or medicines at the right rate. Emergency equipment: Helps medical staff respond to sudden problems. Before leaving, the team checks all the equipment. They also make sure there is enough oxygen, battery power, and medical supplies for the journey. 4. Keep the Baby Warm Newborn babies can lose body heat quickly. Premature babies and babies with low birth weight are at greater risk. Therefore, the medical team must keep the baby warm during travel. A transport incubator or another suitable warming system can help. The team should also check the baby’s temperature during the journey. 5. Check the Baby During Travel The medical team must watch the baby’s health throughout the journey. They may check: Heartbeat and breathing Oxygen levels Body temperature Blood sugar, when needed Blood pressure, when needed If the baby’s condition changes, the team must provide the right care quickly. 6. Share the Baby’s Medical Reports Before the transfer, the current hospital should share the baby’s medical records with the new hospital. These records may include: Birth details and weeks of pregnancy at birth Birth weight and current weight The baby’s current health problems Medicines and treatment already given Blood test results and other reports Oxygen needs and breathing support Problems during birth These details help the new medical team understand the baby’s condition. They also help doctors continue treatment without unnecessary delays. 7. Choose the Right Hospital The new hospital should have the right medical team and equipment for the baby’s needs. For example, a baby with serious breathing problems may need advanced NICU care. A premature baby may need help with feeding, staying warm, and gaining weight. Parents should speak with the treating doctor before the transfer. They should also ask about bed availability, treatment options, and transport arrangements. What Should Parents Do Before the Transfer? Parents may feel worried when doctors suggest moving their baby to another hospital. However, a few simple steps can help them prepare. Parents should: Ask why the baby needs to move. Find out what treatment the baby needs. Confirm the name of the new hospital. Ask who will care for the baby during travel. Keep medical reports and referral papers ready. Follow the doctor’s instructions. Most importantly, do not delay an urgent transfer. Never take a seriously ill newborn in a private car without medical advice and a safe travel plan. Why Is NICU Care Important During a Newborn Transfer? A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides special care for newborn babies who need extra medical support. Depending on the baby’s condition and the hospital’s facilities, NICU care may include: Help with breathing Support to keep the baby warm Checks of heartbeat and oxygen levels Treatment for infections Help with feeding and fluids Care for premature babies Care for babies with low birth […]

Warning signs of neonatal sepsis and newborn infection

BLOG

Neonatal Sepsis Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

Amanpreet / October 19, 2026

Neonatal Sepsis: Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore Newborn babies need special care. Their bodies are still growing, and their immune systems are not fully developed. Therefore, they can get infections easily. One serious infection is called neonatal sepsis. It can make a newborn very sick within a short time. Without quick treatment, it can become life-threatening. Parents should know the warning signs of neonatal sepsis. Early medical care can help protect a baby’s health. At Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh, parents can learn more about newborn health and the importance of early treatment. What Is Neonatal Sepsis? Neonatal sepsis is a serious infection in a baby during the first 28 days of life. It happens when harmful germs enter the baby’s body and cause an infection. Bacteria are a common cause, but other germs can also cause it. The infection can affect important parts of the body, including the lungs and brain. Newborn babies may find it harder to fight infections because their immune systems are still developing. Early diagnosis and quick treatment are very important. What Are the Warning Signs of Neonatal Sepsis? The signs of neonatal sepsis may be hard to notice at first. Sometimes, a baby may simply drink less milk or sleep more than usual. However, parents should never ignore these changes. 1. Poor Feeding or Refusing Milk Newborn babies need milk regularly. However, a sick baby may not feed as usual. Watch for these signs: Your baby refuses breast milk or formula. Baby drinks much less milk than usual. Your baby has trouble sucking. Too weak or sleepy to feed. If your baby suddenly feeds less, seek urgent medical help. 2. Fever or Low Body Temperature A change in body temperature can be a sign of infection. Your baby may have a temperature of 38°C or higher. However, some babies with an infection may have a body temperature that is too low. Therefore, do not assume your baby is healthy just because there is no fever. Important: A temperature of 38°C or higher in a newborn needs immediate medical attention. Do not wait for other signs to appear. 3. Fast or Difficult Breathing A serious infection can affect your baby’s breathing. Look for these warning signs: Your baby breathes faster than usual. Your baby makes grunting sounds while breathing. The skin pulls inward around the ribs. Your baby has pauses in breathing. Your baby’s lips, tongue, or skin look blue or grey. If your baby has trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. 4. Unusual Sleepiness or Less Movement Newborn babies sleep a lot. However, unusual sleepiness can be a warning sign. A sick baby may: Be difficult to wake. Sleep through feeding times. Move less than usual. Feel weak or floppy. Cry very softly. Respond less to touch or sound. If your baby is difficult to wake or does not respond normally, seek emergency medical help. 5. Changes in Skin Colour Changes in your baby’s skin colour can be another warning sign. Your baby may look unusually pale, grey, or blue. The skin may also look patchy. Some babies develop yellow skin or yellow eyes. This is called jaundice. Jaundice can happen for different reasons. However, if your baby also feeds poorly, seems very sleepy, or looks unwell, seek prompt medical care. 6. Vomiting or a Swollen Tummy Some babies bring up a little milk after feeding. This can be normal. However, repeated vomiting or a swollen tummy may be a sign of a serious problem. Watch for these signs: Your baby vomits again and again. Baby vomits green fluid. Tummy looks swollen or feels hard. Your baby vomits and refuses milk. You notice blood in the vomit or stool. Seek urgent medical help if these signs appear, especially if your baby seems unwell. 7. Fewer Wet Nappies Wet nappies help parents check whether their baby is getting enough milk. However, a sick baby may pass less urine than usual. This can happen when the baby drinks less milk or becomes seriously ill. Pay attention if your baby has fewer wet nappies than usual. If your baby also feeds poorly or seems weak, seek urgent medical advice. 8. Seizures or Unusual Movements In severe cases, neonatal sepsis can affect the brain. Your baby may have a seizure or repeated unusual jerking movements. Your baby may also become less responsive. A seizure, unresponsiveness, or difficulty waking is a medical emergency. Seek emergency care immediately. Which Babies Have a Higher Risk of Neonatal Sepsis? Any newborn can develop neonatal sepsis. However, some babies have a higher risk. These include: Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. born with low birth weight. Whose mothers had certain infections during pregnancy or labour. Mothers had a fever around delivery. Need intensive care or certain medical procedures. However, even a healthy-looking newborn can develop an infection. Therefore, parents should watch for warning signs in every baby. What Causes Neonatal Sepsis? Neonatal sepsis happens when harmful germs cause an infection in a newborn’s body. The infection may start before birth, during delivery, or after birth. Doctors may divide neonatal sepsis into two types: Early-onset sepsis: The infection develops soon after birth. Late-onset sepsis: The infection develops later in the newborn period. The timing used for these groups can vary between hospitals. Possible causes include: Germs passing from the mother to the baby. An infection developing during or after birth. Contact with germs through unclean hands or equipment. Some infections linked to hospital care. Washing hands and keeping feeding equipment clean can help lower the risk of infection. However, not all infections can be prevented. How Do Doctors Diagnose Neonatal Sepsis? Doctors check your baby’s symptoms, medical history, and general health. They may also perform tests to look for an infection. These tests may include: Blood tests: These help doctors look for signs of infection. Blood culture: This test helps find germs in the blood. Urine tests: These help check for a urine infection. Spinal fluid test: Doctors may test the fluid […]

BLOG

Low Birth Weight Baby: Feeding, Temperature and Growth in the NICU

Amanpreet / October 17, 2026

Low Birth Weight Baby: Feeding, Temperature and Growth in the NICU A low birth weight baby needs extra care to grow and stay healthy. These babies may need help with feeding, keeping warm, and gaining weight. Therefore, some babies need care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At Aarogya Hospital in Chandigarh, doctors check each baby’s health, feeding, body temperature, and growth. The care plan depends on the baby’s weight at birth, weeks of pregnancy, and medical needs. What Is a Low Birth Weight Baby? A low birth weight baby is a newborn who weighs less than 2,500 grams (2.5 kg) at birth. This applies even if the baby is born at full term. There are several reasons why a baby may have a low birth weight. For example, the baby may be born early or may not grow well inside the womb. Common causes include: Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy Slow growth inside the womb Problems with the placenta Certain health problems in the mother Pregnancy with twins or triplets However, not every low birth weight baby needs NICU care. Doctors check the baby’s breathing, feeding, temperature, blood sugar, and overall health before deciding on the right care. Why Does a Low Birth Weight Baby Need NICU Care? Low birth weight babies may need more time to adjust to life outside the womb. They may find it difficult to stay warm, feed properly, or maintain normal blood sugar levels. Therefore, doctors may recommend NICU care if the baby needs extra monitoring or treatment. NICU care may include: Checking breathing and heart rate Keeping the baby warm Helping with breast milk feeding Checking blood sugar levels Monitoring weight gain and growth Finding and treating health problems Some babies need only a short period of monitoring. Others may need more specialised care, depending on their health. 1. Feeding a Low Birth Weight Baby in the NICU Feeding is an important part of caring for a low birth weight baby. Proper nutrition helps the baby grow, develop, and recover. However, some babies may be too small or weak to breastfeed properly. This is more common in babies born early. Breast Milk for Low Birth Weight Babies Mother’s breast milk is usually the preferred food for newborns, including premature and low birth weight babies. It provides important nutrients that help the baby grow. It also contains protective factors that help the baby fight infections. If the baby cannot breastfeed directly, the mother can express her breast milk. The NICU team will decide how to feed the baby safely. Feeding Methods in the NICU The feeding method depends on the baby’s age, health, and ability to feed. Common feeding methods include: Direct breastfeeding: The baby feeds directly from the mother’s breast when they can suck, swallow, and breathe safely. Expressed breast milk: The baby receives the mother’s milk without feeding directly from the breast. Tube feeding: A small tube carries milk into the baby’s stomach when they cannot feed safely by mouth. Nutrition through a vein: In some cases, nutrients are give through a vein when milk feeding is not enough or is not yet possible. Some premature babies also need extra nutrients to support healthy growth. Doctors may add special nutrients to breast milk when needed. How Often Should a Low Birth Weight Baby Be Fed? Feeding times depend on the baby’s weight, age, health, and feeding method. Some babies need small feeds more often. Others may need feeding through a tube until they can feed by mouth. Therefore, parents should follow the feeding plan given by the NICU team. Every baby has different feeding needs. 2. Keeping a Low Birth Weight Baby Warm in the NICU Low birth weight babies can lose body heat quickly. This is because they have less body fat and may find it difficult to control their body temperature. Therefore, keeping the baby warm is an important part of NICU care. Why Is Keeping the Baby Warm Important? A baby’s body uses energy to stay warm. If the baby becomes too cold, the body uses more energy and oxygen to produce heat. As a result, being too cold can affect blood sugar, breathing, and overall health. Keeping the baby warm helps save energy for growth and recovery. How Do Doctors Keep Babies Warm in the NICU? Doctors and nurses use different methods to keep babies warm, including: Incubators: These provide a warm, controlled space for the baby. Radiant warmers: These keep the baby warm while doctors provide treatment. Temperature checks: Nurses check the baby’s temperature regularly and adjust care when needed. Kangaroo mother care: This involves placing the baby against a parent’s bare chest for skin-to-skin contact. It can help keep the baby warm and support breastfeeding when the baby is stable enough. The NICU team checks the baby’s temperature regularly to make sure it stays within the recommended range. Parents should never use heating pads or hot water bottles to warm a newborn without medical advice. 3. Monitoring Growth and Weight Gain in the NICU Weight gain helps doctors understand how well a low birth weight baby is growing. However, weight is not the only thing they check. Doctors also measure the baby’s length and head size. They check feeding, hydration, and overall health, too. How Do Doctors Check Weight Gain? The NICU team weighs the baby regularly. How often they do this depends on the baby’s condition and the hospital’s care plan. Some weight loss during the first few days after birth can be normal. However, low birth weight and premature babies need careful monitoring. As feeding improves, doctors check whether the baby is gaining enough weight for their age and health needs. What Helps a Low Birth Weight Baby Gain Weight? Several things help a baby grow well: Enough breast milk or prescribed nutrition Feeding at the recommended times Keeping the baby at a stable temperature Treating infections and other health problems Regular weight and growth checks Support for breastfeeding and expressing […]

Child health check-up with paediatrician in Chandigarh

BLOG

How Often Should Children Have a Health Check-Up

Amanpreet / October 1, 2026

How Often Should Children Have a Health Check-Up? Regular health check-ups help parents understand how their child is growing and developing. They also help doctors find health problems early. Many parents visit a doctor only when their child is sick. However, children also need regular check-ups when they are healthy. These visits help the doctor check their growth, development, nutrition, immunity, and overall health. So, how often should children have a health check-up? The answer can vary based on the child’s age, health, development, and medical history. Why Are Regular Health Check-Ups Important for Children? Children grow and develop quickly. Therefore, regular check-ups help parents and doctors track important changes in their child’s health. During a health check-up, the doctor may assess: Height and weight Growth pattern Physical development Eating and nutrition habits Sleep patterns Vision and hearing Speech and learning development Emotional and behavioural development Vaccination status General physical health Regular visits also give parents a chance to talk to the doctor about any concerns they have about their child’s health. How Often Should Children Have a Health Check-Up? There is no single check-up schedule for every child. Young children usually need more regular visits because they grow and develop quickly. A general approach may include: Babies and Young Children Babies need regular health check-ups in their early years. These visits help doctors check their growth, development, feeding, vaccinations, and other important health needs. Therefore, parents should follow the schedule recommended by their paediatrician. School-Age Children School-age children may also need regular health check-ups. These visits can help doctors monitor their physical growth, vision, hearing, nutrition, and development. A doctor can also talk about your child’s school performance, sleep, physical activity, and other health concerns. Teenagers Teenagers also benefit from regular health check-ups. During this stage, doctors may discuss growth, nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotional well-being, and other health concerns. Regular check-ups can also help teenagers build healthy habits that may continue into adulthood. What Happens During a Child Health Check-Up? A routine child health check-up may include several simple health checks. 1. Growth Assessment Additionally, the doctor may measure your child’s height and weight. These measurements help track their growth over time. 2. Physical Examination The doctor may also check your child’s heart, lungs, stomach, ears, throat, skin, and other areas based on their age and health needs. 3. Developmental Assessment For younger children, the doctor may check milestones such as movement, speech, communication, and social skills. 4. Vaccination Review Moreover, the doctor can check if your child is up to date with the recommended vaccinations. 5. Nutrition and Lifestyle Discussion The doctor may also ask about your child’s diet, physical activity, sleep, screen time, and daily routine. 6. Vision and Hearing Additionally, depending on your child’s age and needs, the doctor may check their vision and hearing or recommend screening. When Should You Take Your Child to a Doctor Between Routine Check-Ups? However, you do not need to wait for the next routine check-up if your child develops a health concern. Contact a paediatrician if your child has symptoms such as: Persistent fever Breathing difficulty Severe or ongoing pain Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea Poor feeding Sudden changes in behaviour Unusual tiredness Delayed development Poor weight gain Frequent infections Problems with vision or hearing If your child has severe symptoms or seems very unwell, seek urgent medical care. How Can Parents Prepare for a Child Health Check-Up? Parents can make the check-up more useful by preparing some important details in advance. You can keep a note of: Your child’s current medicines Previous medical conditions Allergies Vaccination records Recent symptoms Changes in eating or sleeping Developmental concerns Questions you want to ask the doctor This information can help the doctor better understand your child’s health. Benefits of Regular Child Health Check-Ups Regular check-ups help parents stay informed about their child’s health and development. They can help with: Monitoring healthy growth Identifying possible concerns early Keeping vaccinations up to date Supporting healthy nutrition Monitoring developmental milestones Managing ongoing health conditions Answering parents’ health questions Most importantly, regular visits help keep a clear and up-to-date health record for your child. Conclusion Children need regular health check-ups even when they seem healthy. These visits help doctors monitor their growth, development, vaccinations, nutrition, and overall well-being. The timing of check-ups can vary based on your child’s age and health needs. Therefore, parents should follow the schedule recommended by their paediatrician. If you have concerns about your child’s growth, development, nutrition, or general health, speak with a qualified paediatrician instead of waiting for the next routine check-up. FAQs How often should a healthy child visit a doctor? The recommended check-up schedule depends on the child’s age and health needs. Babies and young children usually need more frequent visits, while older children may need check-ups less often. Does my child need a check-up if they are healthy? Yes. Regular check-ups can help monitor your child’s growth, development, vaccinations, nutrition, and overall health, even when they have no obvious symptoms.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. What age should regular child health check-ups start? Health checks begin in infancy. Parents should follow the paediatrician’s recommended schedule from the early months of their child’s life. What is check during a child health check-up? A doctor may check your child’s growth, physical health, development, nutrition, vaccinations, vision, hearing, sleep, and other health needs based on their age.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Should teenagers have regular health check-ups? Yes. Teenagers can benefit from regular health check-ups to monitor growth, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and other health needs during adolescence.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. When should I take my child to a doctor? Take your child to a doctor if you notice ongoing or unusual symptoms, concerns about growth or development, or changes […]