Two Week Visit
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This is a time of transition for your family. Make sure to rest and sleep
to maintain your sense of well being. Partners and family members can
share tasks to avoid overwhelming the mother. If you are experiencing
sadness that doesn’t go away, talk to your personal physician or pediatrician.
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Develop household routines. Continue to involve other children in the house
with the baby, but spend individual time as well. Make time to talk to
your partner.
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Everyone will have advice for you. Don’t stress over this. Just
listen and then follow your plan.
Caring for Your Baby
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At this age, newborns do not have a day/ night schedule. Don’t worry, routines
will develop over time. Put your baby down to sleep in the same place
every time and begin to establish a regular routine for feeding and sleeping.
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Always put your baby to sleep on her back, in her own bed or bassinette.
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For first time parents, everything a baby does is new. Don’t hesitate to
call the office with any questions or concerns.
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You may have been given an ear thermometer as a gift. Do not take your
baby’s temperature by ear or mouth until 4 years of age. A rectal
thermometer is preferred. A reading of 100.4 is considered a fever and
with an infant, you should notify your pediatrician right away. Fever in
an infant should be considered an emergency.
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Do not give your infant any medication without checking with your physician.
Nutrition
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Breastfeeding is an ideal form of nutrition for the first 4-6 months. Breast
feeding can continue to at least 12 months and thereafter as long as mutually
desireable.
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If you are using formula, don’t change brands without checking with your
pediatrician. Because formula is expensive, you may be hesitant to throw
away formula left over from a feeding. If so, refrigerate it right away
and do not mix it with new formula. If formula has been out of the
refrigerator for one hour or more, discard it.
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All breast fed babies should be taking Tri-Vi-Sol, a vitamin supplement. ( 1 dropper
(1 ml) per day)
Safety
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Babies must always travel in a rear facing car seat in the back seat of the
vehicle.
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Babies should not be exposed to smoke. If you or someone in your home
smokes, now is the time to try to quit. Your healthcare provider can give
you resources.
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Do not drink hot liquids while holding your baby.
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Adjust your water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding.
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Make sure you have a first aid kit in your home.
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CPR classes are offered locally by the American Heart Association and Red
Cross.
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Post the Poison Control Center number near your phone (1-800-222-1222).
Oral Health
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Never prop a baby’s bottle.
