Importance of Newborn Care
What is newborn care?
Every newborn has the right to have high-quality immediate healthcare at birth.
- Cord clamping/cleaning/drying/breathing assessment/skin-skin contact/breastfeeding
- Nurturing
- Thermal care
- Breastfeeding support
- Infection-free
- Identification of health issues
- Immediate response to health issues
- Referrals as needed
How do you prepare for your new baby?
- Childbirth class
- Prepare birth plan
- Pack hospital bag
- Eat healthy/Exercise/Relax
- Birth announcements
- Baby showers
- Prepare baby's room/Essentials
- Appoint a quality pediatric doctor
- Prepare siblings/pets
- Baby Proof home
- Parenting support
- Pamper yourself
Expectations of first doctor's appointment
Your first newborn visit is 3–5 days after birth. We check the head shape and soft spots. We check hips, legs, and reflexes. We examine the umbilical cord and circumcision for proper healing. We take measurements of head and height and obtain a weight. At each visit, we discuss necessary immunizations.
How long is breastfeeding?
- Six months
When to reach out for breastfeeding support?
- If your infant does not feed
- Unsure if your infant is eating enough
- To increase breast milk
Creating a bedtime routine
- Keep the same bedtime routine
- Sleep in the same place
- Ensure quiet
- Ensure warmth
Bathing
- Warm sponge bath until cord and circumcision heal, then use the infant tub with a few inches of warm water
- Gently wash head to toes
- Baby shampoo/soap
- Warm /soft cloth and towel
- Support head/neck
- Baby lotion
Baby's enrichment activities
A baby's activities grow with the baby and are age-related. Tummy time is one of your baby's first activities. Use strict supervision for a few minutes daily and gradually increase tummy time.
First newborn vision/hearing screening?
- First newborn pediatric visit
When to see your pediatrician or go to the ER?
- 24 hours of no urine once home
- 48 hours of no bowel movement once home
- Rectal temp, 100.4 or less than 97.5
- Rapid breathing
- Bluish color to skin
- Pulling in of respirations
- Increased sleepy/fussy
- Decreased appetite
- Allergic reaction/suspected poisoning/injuries/seizures/head trauma
- Vomiting blood/dehydrated/refuses fluids
Seeking a Pediatric Newborn Doctor? Call Us Today
If you reside in Hoffman Estates & Algonquin, IL and are seeking a quality pediatric medical doctor for your child, please call our doctors at Pediatric Care Associates. Contact one of our two office locations in Hoffman Estates & Algonquin, IL at (847) 884-7710 to schedule your child's newborn/well-child visit.