Your Baby's Newborn Visit

NUTRITION       

Breast milk or iron fortified formula is the only food your baby will need for the first 4-6 months. Introducing other items too early can lead to allergies, anemia and weight problems. Contrary to popular belief, solid foods do not make a baby sleep through the night. Spitting up after feedings is common during the early months. Burping at least 2-3 times during a feed may be helpful.

Breastfeeding: Breast milk is the best nutritional source for your baby. It provides all the nutrients and calories your baby requires, and will help strengthen your baby’s immune system.  Breast fed newborns are usually nursing for 10-15 minutes per breast approximately 8-12 times a day. Moms need to make sure they are eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water and continue to take their pre-natal vitamins. Freshly expressed breast milk is good for up to 48 hours refrigerated, 3-4 months in a refrigerator-freezer and up to 6 months in a deep freezer.   We encourage up to 12 months of breastfeeding.

Formula feeding: Most infants will do fine with a milk-protein based, iron fortified formula. Formulas come in a variety of preparations so it is important to read the label carefully and follow instructions on how to mix.  Bottle fed babies should take about 8-10 feedings per day.

ELIMINATION

Most babies strain with bowel movements; others will grunt and turn red in the face. This is normal. Some babies will stool after each feeding and others may wait several days between stools. The stools may be soft and pasty with the breast fed baby’s stools usually being more frequent and more liquid. If your baby has persistent, hard little pellets or blood and mucus mixed with the stool, call the office. We do not recommend changing formulas without first talking to us.

CRYING 

Your baby will let you know his needs through crying. Crying may indicate hunger, but it may also mean that the baby is bored, tired, uncomfortable or wet.  Some babies have crying spells for no apparent reason and act as if they are in pain. The first step in dealing with crying is accepting that crying is a normal part of your baby’s development.  Most babies will have a period of fussiness late in the day that begins between 3-12 weeks.  Trying to figure out how to soothe your baby is a process of trial and error. Some babies find comfort in being rocked or wrapped snugly in a blanket. You will soon find out what comforts your baby, and what the crying cues are trying to communicate to you. The baby should be seen if the crying is associated with poor feeding, temperature greater than 100.4 (taken rectally) or any other symptoms of illness.

SLEEPING

During the first 2 months, your baby’s sleep-wake cycle may be confusing and tiring. Most babies are sleeping about 16-20 hours per day. Not allowing daytime sleep stretches to be longer than 3 hours may aid in better nighttime sleep habits.

SAFETY

Accidents kill more infants in the first year of life than any other cause. Keep your baby safe by following a few recommendations.


Sleep Safety: 
*Have baby sleep on back

   *Use firm crib mattress

   *No blankets, pillows or stuffed animals in crib

   *Keep environmental temperature comfortable

   *No smoking

Car Safety:         

*Use an approved infant car seat while traveling

   *The infant should be placed in the back seat with the car seat rear-facing until your child is 2 years of age

   *Never hold your infant in your lap while traveling in an automobile

   *Have your car seat installation inspected by trained personnel

Burns:               

*Always check water temp before bath

   *Set water heater to < 120˚F

   *Never smoke or drink hot liquids when holding baby

   *Avoid exposure to direct sunlight

   *Avoid microwave for heating formula/breast milk

Falls:             

*Do not leave unattended on bed, sofa or changing table

   *Use straps on all infant furniture (car seats, carriers, high chairs, exercisers, etc.)

Illness:               

*Avoid ill contacts, encourage good hand washing

*NO medications unless instructed by provider.

 *Have your baby seen for fever ≥100.4˚F(rectal), poor feeding, or worrisome symptoms such as inconsolable crying, vomiting or
abnormal drowsiness

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

  • May smile in response to being talked to or played with

  • Focus on objects that are no more than twelve inches away

  • Responds to sound

  • Lift and turn head side to side

  • Moves arms and legs well and equally