Newborn Visit
General
•
Be sure to let your pediatrician know of any chronic health conditions in your
family (diabetes, any genetic illness, asthma) or any problems surrounding the
birth of your baby if the pediatrician was not in attendance.
•
Be sure to tell your pediatrician if you do not have heat, electricity, hot
water or a working refrigerator, or if you have peeling paint, mold, bugs or
rodents.
•
It is very important for your baby’s health that your home and vehicle are
smoke free.
•
Thoroughly wash your hands before handling and feeding your baby, and after
each diaper change.
•
Avoid crowded areas, such as restaurants or malls, especially during flu
season. Keep your baby away from people who are ill.
•
Fever in an infant (rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees) is considered an
emergency. Contact your pediatrician immediately.
Family
•
New parents often need help and support. If you do not have family who
can help, think about friends or neighbors you can turn to. If needed,
ask your physician or pediatrician about resources.
•
Babies cry and often we don’t understand their behavior. This can make
parents upset. If you feel upset with your baby, put the baby down in a
safe place like a crib or cradle. Never yell at, hit or shake your baby.
•
Don’t forget to take time for yourself and for your partner. If you stay
healthy and happy you will be a better parent for your baby.
•
Many parents feel tired and overwhelmed during the first few weeks. You
may also experience some “baby blues” for a short time. If you find you
are continuing to feel overly tired, overwhelmed or blue, seek help from your
partner, your physician or your pediatrician.
•
If there are other siblings in the house, ask them to help you with simple
tasks but never leave the baby unsupervised with young brothers and sisters.
Spend individual time each day with the older children.
Caring for your Baby
•
Your baby will brighten when he hears your voice. Talk to him while you hold
and feed him. Physical contact helps your baby feel loved and secure.
•
Repetitive rocking or gently stroking the baby’s head may help to calm him, but
sometimes, he just won’t calm for a while. This is normal.
Your
baby is fragile. Never shake him.
•
ALWAYS put your baby to sleep on his back (remember “back to sleep”).
•
Babies should sleep in their own crib or bassinet. Babies should not
sleep in bed with you. A baby bed should have slats that are 2 and 3/8ths
inches or less apart. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib.
Do not use loose, soft blankets or pillows. Instead use warm sleepers or
swaddle the baby with light blankets or tuck the blanket in. Keep the
room temperature comfortable—not too hot, not too cool.
•
Pacifiers can have a calming effect at bedtime. Never coat them with a
sweet solution. Clean with water if they drop on the floor.
•
Use fragrance free soaps, lotions and detergents to avoid skin irritation.
Powder is not recommended for babies.
•
Keep infants out of the sun. We do not recommend using sunscreen on newborns.
•
Your baby may not need a bath every day. Cradle cap can be avoided by
frequent washing of the scalp.
•
To prevent diaper rash, clean your baby after wet diapers and stools. Change
diapers frequently. Diaper creams and ointments can be helpful if a rash
develops but good cleaning and air drying are best.
•
Keep the diaper below the umbilical cord so it will stay dry. The cord usually
falls off in about 10-14 days after birth. There may be a little bleeding
when the cord falls off. Call the office if there is a bad smell, redness
or fluid coming from the cord area.
Nutrition
•
Breastfeeding during the first 4-6 months of life provides ideal nutrition.
The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continuing
to 12 months and thereafter as long as mutually desired. For mothers who choose
not to breastfeed, your pediatrician will recommend a formula for you.
•
Feed your baby when he is hungry. Signs of hunger in infants are sucking
on hand, rooting, grimacing and fussiness. Crying is a late sign, so try
to respond early to the other cues.
•
If breastfeeding, your infant should be encouraged to feed 8-12 times in a 24
hour period. When your baby is 3-4 days old they may experience a feeding
frenzy, wanting to feed more often. At about 1 week of age your baby will
settle into a more routine feeding schedule.
•
Feed your baby until he seems full. If your baby is sleeping more than four
hours, awaken him for feedings during the first two weeks. Gentle
rocking, patting or stroking can wake your baby for feedings.
•
Babies on formula will start with about 2 ounces every 2-3 hours. You will
increase that as the baby’s appetite increases. Carefully follow all instructions
for preparation and storage of formula.
•
Healthy babies do not require extra water. Breast milk or formula will meet
your newborn’s fluid needs.
•
Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period. Some babies
have stools after each feeding. If you are breastfeeding the stools will
be loose. This is normal.
•
Burp your baby midway through and after feedings. Gently rub or pat his
back while holding the baby against your shoulder or supporting him in a
sitting position.
•
If you are breastfeeding, do not introduce a pacifier until about 1 month of
age or until breastfeeding is firmly established.
•
Feeding is a time to cuddle and talk to your baby.
•
Be sure to tell your pediatrician if you are on any medications. Most
medications are safe for breastfeeding but you should always check to make
sure.
Safety
•
A rear facing car seat should always be used to transport your baby. The car
seat should be in the back seat of your car. The baby must remain in the
car seat at all times during travel. Talk to your pediatrician if your
baby was premature or has other special needs.
•
Never, never expose your baby to second hand smoke. Do not smoke around
your baby or allow others to do so. Keep your house and car as smoke free
zones. If you smoke and want to quit, please ask your physician for
resources to help.
Oral Health
•
Never prop a bottle for a baby to feed.
