The mother and new baby stay at home for 30 days while relatives and friends help take care of the family. The mother sleeps on a special bed usually placed in the kitchen next to the fireplace, as she is to be kept very warm at all times. She is on a special diet and drinks herbal teas to help in producing more milk for the baby. At the end of the 30 days, relatives and friends gather for a celebration and give gifts to the new baby. Newborn care includes warm-water baths, which are dried off with a sprinkle of baby powder, then wrapping the baby in a cloth diaper and blanket.
Babies are breast-fed until about two years of age.
Crushed rice is introduced at about two months. No male or female circumcision is practiced by Laotians. Mental health Mental health issues are very sensitive for Laotians. It is considered shameful to be treated for a mental illness. In Laos, psychiatrists are solely for insane people.