Advanced Newborn Care in Dubai

We recommend scheduling your newborn's first paediatric visit within 3 to 5 days of birth, or within 24 to 48 hours of hospital discharge if your baby was discharged early. This initial visit allows us to perform the newborn metabolic screening test if not already completed at the hospital, assess jaundice levels, monitor weight trajectory, evaluate breastfeeding, conduct a thorough physical examination, and administer the first vaccines if they were not given at birth. Earlier visits may be recommended for premature babies, babies with jaundice noted at discharge, or those with any identified health concerns.

The newborn metabolic screening test, commonly called the heel-prick test, involves collecting a few drops of blood from your baby's heel onto a special filter paper card. This sample is tested for a panel of rare but serious metabolic, endocrine, and haematological conditions including phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, galactosaemia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and other inborn errors of metabolism. Early detection is critical because many of these conditions can cause severe developmental disability or death if untreated, but have excellent outcomes when treatment begins in the first weeks of life. The test is ideally performed between 48 hours and 7 days of age.

Jaundice causes a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, starting from the face and progressing downward to the chest, abdomen, and legs as bilirubin levels rise. Mild jaundice appearing after 24 hours of age is common and usually physiological, resolving by 10 to 14 days. You should seek medical assessment if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life, if the yellowing extends below the navel or to the limbs, if your baby is excessively sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds, if feeding is poor, or if jaundice persists beyond 14 days. Our paediatricians measure bilirubin levels using transcutaneous or blood tests and determine whether phototherapy or further investigation is needed.

Most healthy newborns lose between 5 and 7 percent of their birth weight in the first 3 to 5 days of life as they adjust to feeding outside the womb and pass meconium. Weight loss up to 10 percent can occur, particularly in exclusively breastfed babies, but losses beyond 10 percent require clinical assessment and feeding support. Babies should begin regaining weight by day 4 to 5 and typically return to their birth weight by 10 to 14 days of age. Our paediatricians track your baby's weight closely during the first weeks and provide guidance if weight gain is slower than expected.

Absolutely. Breastfeeding difficulties are extremely common and our paediatricians are experienced in assessing and supporting breastfeeding mothers. During your visit, we observe a feed to evaluate your baby's latch, suck pattern, and swallowing. We assess for conditions that may affect feeding such as tongue-tie, high palate, or poor muscle tone. We provide practical advice on positioning, frequency, and duration of feeds, and address common concerns including engorgement, nipple pain, perceived low supply, and cluster feeding behaviour. If needed, we can discuss supplementation strategies that support continued breastfeeding and referral to a lactation consultant for more intensive support.

According to the DHA immunization schedule, newborns receive their first vaccines within the first days of life. The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered within 24 hours of birth, and the BCG vaccine (against tuberculosis) is given before hospital discharge or at the first newborn visit. If these vaccines were not administered at the hospital, our paediatricians will give them at your first visit. The next scheduled vaccines on the DHA calendar are at 2 months of age, including DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, and rotavirus. We provide parents with a clear vaccination schedule and reminders for upcoming doses.

While most newborns are healthy, parents should be aware of danger signs that require immediate medical attention. These include fever above 38 degrees Celsius or temperature below 36 degrees Celsius, rapid or laboured breathing, blue discolouration of the lips or face, persistent vomiting or refusal to feed for more than 8 hours, fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 4, blood in the stool or vomit, extreme lethargy or inability to wake for feeds, persistent high-pitched crying, and seizures. If any of these occur, seek medical attention immediately. Our clinic is available for urgent newborn assessment during opening hours, and we provide guidance on when to attend the emergency department.

Yes, vitamin D supplementation is recommended for all newborns in the UAE, regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breast milk contains very little vitamin D, and while formula is supplemented, most infants do not consume sufficient volumes in the early weeks to meet requirements. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the UAE population, combined with recommendations to limit direct sun exposure for newborns, makes supplementation particularly important. Our paediatricians will advise on the appropriate dose and formulation based on your baby's feeding method and risk factors, and monitor vitamin D status at subsequent well-baby check-ups.