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Safe newborn feeding advice about ghutti, honey, gripe water and water

Ghutti, Honey, Gripe Water and Water for Newborns

Aman / October 19, 2026

Ghutti, Honey, Gripe Water and Water for Newborns: What Should Parents Know? Many Indian families follow traditional ways of caring for newborn babies. These may include giving ghutti (janam ghutti), honey, gripe water, or plain water soon after birth. Family members may suggest these remedies to help with gas, digestion, or sleep. However, these products are not recommended for newborns. A baby’s body is still developing, so some substances may cause harm. At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, parents can get advice about newborn feeding, nutrition, and safe baby care. What Is Ghutti (Janam Ghutti)? Ghutti, also called janam ghutti, is a traditional liquid given to newborns in some Indian families. It may contain herbs, spices, honey, or other ingredients. Some people believe ghutti helps with digestion and constipation. However, there is no strong evidence that it is safe or helpful for newborns. Why should you avoid ghutti? Its ingredients may not be safe for babies. It may contain harmful germs. Some ingredients may cause stomach problems. It may reduce the amount of breast milk your baby drinks. Therefore, do not give ghutti to your newborn unless a doctor recommends a specific treatment for a medical reason. Is Honey Safe for Newborn Babies? No. Never give honey to a baby under 12 months of age. Some families use honey as a baby’s first feed. However, honey may contain bacteria that produce harmful toxins. These can cause a serious illness called infant botulism. Signs of infant botulism may include: Constipation Poor feeding A weak cry Unusual muscle weakness Difficulty swallowing or breathing These signs need urgent medical attention. Never give honey to your baby, even in small amounts or mixed with milk or water. Is Gripe Water Safe for Newborns? Gripe water is a liquid sold to help babies with gas, colic, and stomach discomfort. However, different products contain different ingredients. There is also limited evidence that gripe water works. Gripe water is not routinely recommended for newborns because: Some ingredients may not be suitable for babies. The product may become contaminated. It may delay proper treatment if your baby has a medical problem. Extra liquids may reduce the amount of breast milk your baby drinks. If your baby cries often or seems uncomfortable after feeding, speak to a paediatrician. The doctor can check feeding, burping, and other possible causes before suggesting treatment. Can You Give Water to a Newborn Baby? No. Healthy babies generally do not need plain water during their first six months. Breast milk provides the water and nutrients your baby needs. Even in hot weather, offer breast milk more often instead of giving plain water. Giving water too early may: Reduce the amount of breast milk your baby drinks. Increase the risk of infection from unsafe water. Disturb the body’s salt balance if too much water is given. Affect healthy growth and nutrition. If your baby drinks formula, prepare it exactly as directed on the packaging. Never add extra water or make the formula thinner than instructed. After six months, when your baby starts eating solid foods, you can offer small amounts of safe drinking water with meals. Continue breastfeeding as recommended. What Should You Give Your Newborn Instead? The right feeding method depends on your baby’s needs. Here are some safe options. 1. Breast Milk Breast milk is the best food for most newborns. It provides important nutrients and helps protect babies from infections. Try to start breastfeeding soon after birth. Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months unless a medical condition requires a different feeding plan. 2. Colostrum: The First Breast Milk Colostrum is the thick, yellowish milk produced during the first few days after birth. It contains important nutrients and helps protect your baby from infections. Do not throw away colostrum or replace it with honey, ghutti, or other traditional first feeds. 3. Feeding Recommended by a Doctor Some babies, especially premature babies or those with medical problems, may need extra feeding support. A paediatrician or neonatologist can check your baby’s needs and recommend expressed breast milk, infant formula, or supplements when necessary. Do not give supplements or home remedies without medical advice. What If Your Baby Has Gas, Colic, or Constipation? Newborns may cry, pass gas, or strain while passing stools. However, these signs do not always mean your baby needs gripe water or another remedy. You can try these simple steps: Burp your baby during and after feeding. Check that your baby is latching and feeding comfortably. Hold your baby gently after feeding to provide comfort. Ask a healthcare professional about feeding and bowel movements. Seek medical advice if your baby vomits repeatedly, has a swollen tummy, passes blood in the stool, feeds poorly, or does not gain enough weight. Important: A newborn with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment. Breathing problems, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty waking also require urgent medical attention. Conclusion Ghutti, honey, gripe water, and plain water may be part of traditional newborn care. However, these substances can pose risks to babies. Avoid ghutti and gripe water unless a doctor advises otherwise. Never give honey to a baby under 12 months. Also, healthy babies generally do not need plain water during their first six months. Instead, focus on breastfeeding, safe feeding, and regular newborn check-ups. If you are worried about your baby’s feeding, digestion, or growth, consult a qualified paediatrician or neonatologist. Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, encourages parents to follow safe, evidence-based advice for their baby’s health and development. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more newborn care tips. Frequently Asked Questions Can I give ghutti to my newborn? No. Ghutti may contain unsafe ingredients or harmful germs. Breast milk is the recommended food for most healthy newborns. Can I give honey to my baby after birth? No. Never give honey to a baby under 12 months because it may cause infant botulism, a serious illness. Does gripe water help

Is 10% Newborn Weight Loss Normal

Is 10% Newborn Weight Loss Normal? When Should Parents Worry? Newborn babies often lose some weight during the first few days after birth. For new parents, this can be worrying. However, a small amount of weight loss is usually normal as the baby adjusts to life outside the womb. But is 10% newborn weight loss normal? The answer depends on your baby’s age, feeding habits, and overall health. A weight loss of around 10% needs careful attention and assessment by a doctor. In this blog, we explain why newborns lose weight, when to seek medical advice, and how parents can support healthy newborn growth. Is 10% Newborn Weight Loss Normal? Some weight loss is normal during the first few days of life. Babies lose extra fluid after birth, so their weight may decrease temporarily. However, 10% weight loss is an important warning point that needs medical assessment. If your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, a paediatrician should check their feeding, hydration, and general health. For example, if your baby weighed 3 kg at birth, a 10% weight loss means they now weigh 2.7 kg. This does not always mean something is seriously wrong. However, it is important to identify the cause and make sure your baby is getting enough milk. Why Do Newborn Babies Lose Weight After Birth? There are several reasons why newborn babies lose weight during the first few days. 1. Loss of Extra Body Fluid Before birth, babies receive fluids through the placenta. After birth, their bodies begin adjusting to life outside the womb. As a result, they naturally lose some extra fluid. 2. Breastfeeding Is Still Becoming Established During the first few days, mothers produce colostrum, the first milk. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies. However, it is produce in small amounts. Sometimes, babies may need help learning to latch properly and feed effectively. Therefore, a feeding assessment can help identify any difficulties. 3. Feeding Difficulties Some newborns may not get enough milk because of a poor latch, sleepy feeding behaviour, or difficulties with sucking and swallowing. Consequently, their weight may drop more than expected. Early feeding support can help address these problems. When Does Newborn Weight Loss Become a Concern? Parents should pay attention to the amount of weight their baby loses and how quickly the baby starts gaining weight again. The following signs need attention: Your baby loses 10% or more of their birth weight. Struggles to latch or feed properly. Your baby has fewer wet nappies than expected for their age. Appears unusually sleepy or difficult to wake. Develops yellowing of the skin or eyes. Continues losing weight instead of starting to gain it. Seek urgent medical advice if your baby has significant weight loss or signs of poor feeding or dehydration. If your baby is difficult to wake, has breathing difficulties, or appears seriously unwell, seek emergency medical care. How Can Parents Tell If Their Newborn Is Getting Enough Milk? Weight is only one way to check whether your baby is feeding well. Parents should also observe feeding patterns, wet nappies, and their baby’s behaviour. Look for these signs: Regular feeding: Newborns commonly breastfeed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Wet nappies: The number should increase over the first few days. By around day five, babies generally have at least six wet nappies in 24 hours. Effective sucking: Your baby should show signs of sucking and swallowing during feeds. Alert behaviour: Your baby should wake for feeds and respond normally. Steady weight gain: After the initial weight loss, your baby should begin gaining weight. These signs can help parents understand whether feeding is going well. However, they do not replace a newborn check-up. How Can You Help Your Newborn Gain Weight Safely? If your baby has lost more weight than expected, your doctor may recommend the following steps. 1. Feed Your Baby Frequently Offer feeds regularly and respond to your baby’s hunger cues. If your baby is very sleepy or feeding poorly, ask your doctor how often to wake them for feeds. 2. Check the Breastfeeding Latch A good latch helps your baby transfer milk effectively. A paediatrician, neonatal nurse, or qualified lactation professional can assess feeding and suggest improvements. 3. Monitor Wet Nappies Keep track of wet and dirty nappies. Fewer wet nappies than expected may indicate that your baby is not getting enough milk or may be dehydrated. 4. Attend Newborn Follow-Up Visits Regular weight checks help doctors monitor your baby’s progress. Many babies regain their birth weight within 7–14 days, although some take longer. 5. Follow Your Doctor’s Feeding Advice Some babies need additional feeding support. Your doctor can assess whether expressed breast milk, formula supplementation, or further investigations are appropriate. Do not give water to a newborn or change their feeding plan without medical advice. When Should You Contact a Paediatrician? Contact a paediatrician promptly if your newborn loses 10% or more of their birth weight, is not feeding well, or has fewer wet nappies than expected. You should also arrange a check-up if your baby continues losing weight or does not regain their birth weight as expected. Early assessment helps doctors identify feeding difficulties, dehydration, jaundice, or other health concerns. It also gives parents practical guidance on supporting healthy growth. Newborn Care at Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala Monitoring your baby’s weight is an important part of newborn care. At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, parents can seek medical guidance about newborn feeding, weight monitoring, and concerns about early growth. A newborn’s weight should always be assess alongside feeding patterns, hydration, and overall health. If you are worry about your baby’s weight loss, consult a paediatrician or neonatologist for an appropriate assessment. Your baby’s health matters. Do not ignore significant weight loss or feeding difficulties during the first days of life. Conclusion Some newborn weight loss is normal, but 10% weight loss should not be ignored. Your baby’s age, feeding, hydration, and overall condition all matter. With timely medical assessment, feeding support,