Newborn Care in Marietta, GA
Our team of experienced and compassionate pediatricians is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your child receives the best possible care and attention. We believe that knowledge is key, and that’s why we offer NewCare, a specialized program designed to equip parents with essential skills and information.
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous and transformative experience for parents. However, it also comes with great responsibility as newborns require special care to ensure their health and well-being. In this guide, we will cover essential topics of newborn care, including feeding, diapering, dressing bathing, and sleep.
Feeding
Proper nutrition is vital for a newborn’s growth and development. Most newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours. It’s essential to be attentive to their cues of hunger, such as rooting, sucking motions, or putting hands to their mouths. Most newborns are breastfed as breast milk contains essential nutrients and antibodies that boost their immune system. Breastfeeding also provides a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. However if breastfeeding is not possible or desired, formula feeding is a safe alternative.
Dressing
While a cute going-home outfit might be hard to resist, it’s important to remember that babies can’t regulate their body temperature effectively until they are about 6 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, to ensure their comfort, babies generally need one extra layer of clothing compared to adults. To be on the safe side, it’s best to pack layered clothing options. Opting for clothes that are easy to put on is recommended. For more tips on dressing your newborn, visit the AAP website.
Diapering
Changing diapers frequently is crucial to keep your newborn comfortable and to avoid skin irritations. Check diapers regularly for wetness or soiling. Clean the diaper area gently with baby wipes or a warm, damp cloth, and apply a diaper rash cream if necessary. When using disposable diapers, ensure a proper fit to prevent leaks, and for cloth diapers, wash them thoroughly with mild detergent.
Bathing
Newborns do not require daily baths, as their skin is delicate and doesn’t produce much oil or sweat. Instead, bathe your baby 2-3 times a week using lukewarm water. Use a gentle, tear-free baby soap and shampoo. Support the baby’s head and neck during the bath, and never leave the baby unattended. After bathing, pat the baby dry with a soft towel and apply a mild baby lotion to keep the skin moisturized.
Sleep
Newborns sleep a lot, typically up to 16 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period. However, they have irregular sleep patterns and wake frequently for feeding, diaper changes, or cuddles. Create a safe sleep environment by placing the baby on their back in a firm crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet. Avoid using pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or soft bedding to reduce the risk of suffocation. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid overdressing the baby. While you may prefer to share the same bedroom with your baby, avoid bed-sharing as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Bonding and Interaction
Newborns thrive on affection and love. Spend time bonding with your baby by cuddling, talking, singing and making eye contact. Sing or play soft music to soothe and comfort them. Reading to your baby cue’s can also foster language development and strengthen the parent-child bond. Swaddling, using a gentle rocking motion, or utilizing a white noise machine can help soothe your baby when they’re fussy.
Doctor Checkups and Immunizations
Regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician are essential to monitor your baby’s growth and development. Schedule visits with your child’s doctor to ensure your baby is meeting the necessary milestones and receiving vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.
At Cobb Pediatrics, we’re here to help. Remember that every baby is unique, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Reach out to family, friends, or the team at Cobb Pediatrics for support and guidance. Cherish this time. Your baby grows up so fast, and every stage of their development is a beautiful journey of discovery.
