Newborn Baby

What is newborn care?

Newborn care includes the visits and home care your child needs shortly after birth. 

You’ll begin newborn care with your baby’s first visit to Caring Pediatrics, during which the team performs a physical exam and observes your baby’s behavior. They record measurements like height and weight to make sure your baby doesn’t show signs of poor health. 

Your baby’s first few weeks of life can be a confusing time, and you’ll probably have several questions about your child’s health and the care they need at home. The Caring Pediatrics team is happy to answer all of your questions in detail and give you the advice you need. 

Which topics are covered in newborn care?

Starting with your first visit for your newborn at Caring Pediatrics, your pediatrician covers a number of topics. 

Diapers

During your baby’s first few diaper changes after birth, their stool appears black. This is called meconium, and it quickly changes as your baby begins to eat more. 

A stool that’s dark green or yellow is normal after the first few days, but you should let your pediatrician know if you see other colors like red or white. 

Feeding

For your baby’s first six months, all they need for nutrition is either breastmilk or formula. If you choose to breastfeed your child, they’ll feed more regularly than they would with formula. 

We also offer onsite lactation consulting by a certified lactation consultant for all parents. Please call to schedule or book an appointment online.

Bathing

As long as you clean your baby’s diaper area thoroughly with each change, you don’t need to bathe them every day. Instead, you can sponge bathe them as needed to avoid drying out their delicate skin. 

Sleep 

Sleep patterns vary among newborns, but they typically sleep for about 16-17 hours a day. However, they tend to sleep in small increments. 

You can expect your baby’s sleep patterns to normalize around six months. You should also make sure your newborn sleeps on their back instead of their stomach or side. 

Umbilical cord care

By the time your newborn is eight weeks old, the remnants of the umbilical cord should dry out and fall off. Until then, you should keep the area clean and dry. 

Make sure to fit the diapers below the umbilical cord stump to avoid irritating it. You should also call Caring Pediatrics if you notice any bleeding or oozing in the area. 

What is the schedule of newborn care visits during my child’s first year?

Your newborn’s first year of visits, outside of sick visits, helps you and your pediatrician track their development. In the first year, you should make appointments at:

• 2-5 days after birth
• 15 days
• One month
• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• Nine months
• Twelve-month
  
  

Caring Pediatrics might recommend more regular visits in some circumstances. You can always book additional appointments if you have any concerns about your baby’s health or growth. 

Schedule an appointment for newborn care with online booking, or call Caring Pediatrics today for your baby’s next visit.