The first 28 days of life are the most delicate your baby will ever go through. Many newborn concerns settle on their own with the right support, but some signs need specialist attention right away. Below is a plain-language guide to what parents commonly notice, grouped the way our neonatologists think about them.
Preterm & birth weight
Born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, especially before 34 weeks
Birth weight under 2.5 kg, or very low birth weight under 1.5 kg
Twins, triplets or any multiple pregnancy
Baby small for the number of weeks of pregnancy
Needing help with warmth, feeding or breathing right after birth
Breathing
Fast, noisy or grunting breaths
Chest or tummy pulling in with each breath
Bluish lips, tongue or hands
Pauses in breathing, or your baby turning pale during feeds
A persistent cough or wheeze in the first weeks
Feeding & weight
Poor latching, tiring quickly or refusing feeds
Not regaining birth weight by 2 weeks of age
Very few wet nappies or no stool for more than 24 hours
Repeated or forceful vomiting, or green-coloured vomit
Trouble with breastfeeding that isn't getting better
Jaundice & skin
Yellowing of the skin or eyes in the first days of life
Jaundice that is spreading to the arms, legs or soles
Yellow colour that lasts beyond 2 weeks of age
Pale stools or dark urine along with jaundice
A rash, pus-filled spots or redness around the belly button
Activity & infection
Fever or very low body temperature in a newborn
Unusually sleepy, hard to wake or very floppy
High-pitched or non-stop crying that can't be settled
Jerky movements, seizures or stiffening episodes
A bulging soft spot on the head, or a swollen tummy
You don't need a referral. If any of these signs sound familiar, or if your baby just doesn't seem right, a quick neonatology consultation can give you clarity and peace of mind.
Why early neonatal care matters
A baby's brain, lungs and immune system grow fastest in the first weeks of life. Specialist newborn care in this window prevents small issues from becoming serious ones, protects long-term development and gives parents a confident start to their journey.
What to bring to the visit
Your baby's discharge summary, mother's pregnancy and delivery records, any scans or lab reports, and a note of what you've been noticing at home. A short mobile video of unusual breathing, movements or feeding is often very helpful.
From premature babies in our NICU to healthy newborns needing a short check-up, our neonatology team cares for every stage of the first weeks of life.
Specialised NICU care for babies born preterm or with low birth weight, with support for breathing, feeding, warmth and growth so they can safely catch up and go home.
Care for respiratory distress, transient tachypnoea, meconium aspiration, pneumonia and apnoea with gentle ventilation and surfactant support.
Monitoring and phototherapy for high bilirubin levels, with safe treatment plans that protect your baby's brain and allow early discharge.
Early diagnosis and treatment of newborn infections, pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis with targeted antibiotics and close monitoring.
Management of babies who had a difficult birth, with cooling therapy where needed and long-term developmental follow-up.
Early care for heart defects, metabolic disorders and other conditions picked up before or at birth, plus a structured follow-up clinic for high-risk babies well into infancy.
Every test is gentle, bedside wherever possible, and planned to minimise stress on your baby.
Standard screens for metabolic disorders, hearing and heart defects within the first days of life.
Cranial, cardiac and lung ultrasounds done at the cot side, so your baby isn't moved unnecessarily.
Micro-sample lab tests, blood gas and bilirubin monitoring with fast results so treatment doesn't wait.
Eye screening for retinopathy of prematurity and newborn hearing checks for at-risk babies.
Care in the NICU is gentle, family-centred and planned around every stage of your baby's growth.
Our goal isn't only a safe discharge. It's a baby who grows up healthy and strong, and parents who feel supported every step of the way.
Knowing what happens next makes the day easier for you and your baby.
Book online or call us. Carry your baby's discharge summary, delivery records and any lab reports you have.
The neonatologist listens to your concerns, reviews pregnancy and birth history, and does a gentle head-to-toe examination.
If more information helps, we explain each test first, such as a bilirubin check, blood test or bedside ultrasound.
You leave with a clear plan, feeding and growth advice, and the next follow-up date.
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A children's hospital first, with a NICU built around the smallest, most delicate patients and the parents who love them.
Specialists dedicated to newborn and premature care, available round the clock.
Modern incubators, ventilators and monitoring to support preterm and critically ill newborns.
Parents are part of the care team, with lactation support, counselling and kangaroo mother care.
A trained team ready day and night for any newborn emergency, with safe transfer support.
Neonatology services at Kalyan Nagar, RT Nagar, Malleswaram and New BEL Road.
Shishuka Children's Hospital is a trusted choice for NICU and neonatology care in Bangalore, with experienced neonatologists, advanced newborn equipment and 24/7 critical-care support. Our NICU looks after premature babies, newborns with breathing or feeding issues, jaundice, infections and birth complications. Services are available at Kalyan Nagar and RT Nagar for round-the-clock care.
A newborn may need NICU care if they are born premature (before 37 weeks), have very low birth weight, have trouble breathing, develop severe jaundice, show signs of infection, are born after a difficult delivery or have a known heart or birth condition. Our neonatologists at Shishuka decide on NICU admission based on your baby's condition, and parents are kept involved and informed at every step.
A pediatrician cares for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. A neonatologist is a pediatrician with further super-specialisation in newborn care, particularly for premature, critically ill or high-risk babies. At Shishuka Children's Hospital in Bangalore, our neonatologists work closely with our pediatricians, so your baby moves seamlessly from NICU to routine follow-ups.
The cost of NICU care in Bangalore varies with how long your baby needs to stay, the level of support required and any specific treatments like ventilation or surfactant therapy. Shishuka Children's Hospital follows transparent pricing and most major insurance plans are accepted. For an estimate specific to your baby's needs, please speak to our admissions team.
5AC 938, Ring Road, Service Road, Kalyan nagar, HRBR Layout, Banaswadi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
