Senior Paediatrician Says First 28 Days Are the Most Vulnerable; Parents Urged to Stay Alert

East Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Dr.Avijit Yadav

As winter tightens its grip across the capital, doctors have sounded a serious public health warning for newborn babies, stating that cold weather can become life-threatening if proper care is not ensured during the first few weeks after birth.


Dr Avijit Yadav, Senior Paediatrician at Kailash Deepak Hospital, East Delhi, has cautioned that the first 28 days of a newborn’s life are the most critical, as infants are unable to regulate their body temperature, leaving them highly vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory distress and severe infections.


“Newborns lose body heat rapidly in winter. Even a minor drop in temperature can lead to serious complications if not identified early,” Dr Yadav said.


High Risk of Hypothermia and Pneumonia
According to Dr Yadav, excessive cold exposure can result in dry skin, lethargy and poor feeding among newborns. “What may appear as a common cold can quickly escalate into pneumonia, which remains one of the leading causes of neonatal illness during winter,” he warned.


Red Flags Parents Must Not Ignore
Dr Yadav urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if a newborn shows:
Bluish or pale skin
Unusually fast or slow breathing
Lack of alertness or responsiveness
Reduced or refused feeding
“Timely medical intervention can save lives,” he stressed.


Kailash Deepak Hospital’s Winter Care Advisory
The hospital has advised parents to take simple but essential precautions:
Keep the baby’s room temperature close to 24°C
Avoid both over-wrapping and under-clothing
Ensure early and exclusive breastfeeding; colostrum acts as a natural immune booster
Maintain hygiene and limit exposure to cold air
Mother’s Health Key to Newborn Survival


Dr Yadav highlighted that a healthy mother ensures a healthy newborn. Proper nutrition, adequate rest and protection from cold are vital during winter. He also cautioned against the use of raw or unpasteurised milk.


Doctor’s Appeal
“A newborn cannot speak or signal distress clearly. Parental awareness and timely care are the strongest safeguards. A little caution in winter can prevent tragedy,” Dr Yadav said.