GuidelinesIMCI
Counselling the Caregiver (Birth up to 2 months)
IMCI - Young Infant (Birth up to 2 months)
Counsel the Mother or Caregiver on Home Care for the Young Infant
Counsel the Mother or Caregiver on Home Care for the Young Infant
Fluids and feeding
- Ensure good communication with the mother to promote early and exclusive breastfeeding
- Counsel the mother to breastfeed frequently, as often and for as long as the infant wants, day or night, during sickness and health
Make sure that the young infant is kept warm at all times
- Encourage mother to keep infant warm using skin-top-skin contact
- In cool weather, cover the infant’s head and feet and dress the infant with extra clothing
Maintain a hygienic environment
- Advise the caregiver to wash her hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, changing the infant’s nappy and before each feed
Support the family to care for the infant
- Help the mother, family and caregiver to ensure the young infant’s needs are met
- Assess any needs of the family and provide or refer for management
When to Return
Follow-up visits
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If the infant has:
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Follow-up in:
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Jaundice
Local Bacterial Infection: Purulent discharge of eye |
1 day
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Local Bacterial Infection
Thrush Some dehydration Feeding problem Poor growth and infants less than 2 weeks |
2 days
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Poor growth and infant more than 2 weeks
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7 days
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HIV infection
Ongoing HIV exposure HIV exposed TB exposed |
At least once a month
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At risk infant
Possible social problem |
As needed
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When to Return Immediately
Advise caregiver to return immediately if the young infant has any of these signs:
- Breastfeeding poorly or drinking poorly
- Irritable or lethargic
- Vomits everything
- Convulsions
- Fast breathing
- Difficult breathing
- Blood in stool
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Young Infant (Birth up to 2 months); Counsel the Caregiver
Last checked for updates: June 2023