The birth of an infant is a time of great joy, but also a time of enormous transition for families. There are many overwhelming changes during this post natal period and it is also the time when the family and the pediatrician begin a relationship to promote growth and wellness. This is the beginning of the medical home at East Bay Pediatrics.
Breastmilk is the preferred nutritional source for a newborn. However, for some families formula feeding may be preferable. Feed your baby on demand , which is usually every 2-3 hours. Newborns should feed approximately 10-12 times in 24 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends that all breast fed infants receive a vitamin D supplement. This is available over the counter. The dose recommendation for babies is 400 IU per day until the baby reaches one year of age. Newborns do not need water or other fluids outside of breastmilk or formula.
A newborn’s scalp may look scaly and flaky. This may be noted at birth or shortly after and is referred to as seborrhea or cradle cap. Mineral oil may be applied to loosen the flakes prior to gentle brushing with a soft baby brush. The oil should be washed off with a gentle baby shampoo shortly after. This can be done once to twice per week to keep the cradle cap under control until it resolves.
You can sponge bathe your baby where he/she is dirty - typically around the mouth, neck, and diaper area. You can give a full bath once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, usually at 2-3 weeks of life. Newborns only need full baths once or twice a week; bathing more often may lead to dry skin. Always use a non fragrant, gentle cleanser.
Caring for a newborn during the Covid -19 pandemic can feel overwhelming.
Physical distancing remains the best strategy for limiting the risk of infection to the new baby. It’s important to limit visitors at this time, so opt for a virtual celebration for now. All caretakers and family members should wash their hands before touching the baby. All eligible family members and caretakers should be vaccinated and boosted for Covid - 19. Don’t forget to wear your mask when you leave your home to protect yourself and your baby. Always avoid contact with known sick people.
Newborns sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day. The sleep pattern for each baby varies. Day/night patterns do not become established until about 4-6 months of age.
Newborns should always sleep on their backs, never on their stomachs or sides. Do not put toys, pillows or loose bedding in the crib. Your baby's crib or bassinet should have a firm mattress. The space between the slats of your crib should measure no more than 2 ¾ inches.
Excessive fussiness/crying, or colic occurs in many babies. It usually begins at 2 weeks of age; it peaks at 2 months of age; and it usually resolves at 4 months of age. A colicky baby may cry an average of 3-4 hours a day. If your child is fussy, determine whether he or she is hungry, wet, or ill. If these do not appear to be causing your baby’s discomfort, certain colic measures can be tried:
If your baby has excessive colic or you are worried, please call our advice nurse.
Ask for support if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed or depressed. One in nine mothers develops postpartum depression( partners can feel depressed too), but treatment can help.
Call our advice nurse line if your baby develops a rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher, stops eating, or becomes fussy and is unable to be consoled.
Breastmilk is the preferred nutritional source for a newborn. However, for some families formula feeding may be preferable. Feed your baby on demand , which is usually every 2-3 hours. Newborns should feed approximately 10-12 times in 24 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends that all breast fed infants receive a vitamin D supplement. This is available over the counter. The dose recommendation for babies is 400 IU per day until the baby reaches one year of age. Newborns do not need water or other fluids outside of breastmilk or formula.
A newborn’s scalp may look scaly and flaky. This may be noted at birth or shortly after and is referred to as seborrhea or cradle cap. Mineral oil may be applied to loosen the flakes prior to gentle brushing with a soft baby brush. The oil should be washed off with a gentle baby shampoo shortly after. This can be done once to twice per week to keep the cradle cap under control until it resolves.
You can sponge bathe your baby where he/she is dirty - typically around the mouth, neck, and diaper area. You can give a full bath once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, usually at 2-3 weeks of life. Newborns only need full baths once or twice a week; bathing more often may lead to dry skin. Always use a non fragrant, gentle cleanser.
Caring for a newborn during the Covid -19 pandemic can feel overwhelming.
Physical distancing remains the best strategy for limiting the risk of infection to the new baby. It’s important to limit visitors at this time, so opt for a virtual celebration for now. All caretakers and family members should wash their hands before touching the baby. All eligible family members and caretakers should be vaccinated and boosted for Covid - 19. Don’t forget to wear your mask when you leave your home to protect yourself and your baby. Always avoid contact with known sick people.
Newborns sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day. The sleep pattern for each baby varies. Day/night patterns do not become established until about 4-6 months of age.
Newborns should always sleep on their backs, never on their stomachs or sides. Do not put toys, pillows or loose bedding in the crib. Your baby's crib or bassinet should have a firm mattress. The space between the slats of your crib should measure no more than 2 ¾ inches.
Excessive fussiness/crying, or colic occurs in many babies. It usually begins at 2 weeks of age; it peaks at 2 months of age; and it usually resolves at 4 months of age. A colicky baby may cry an average of 3-4 hours a day. If your child is fussy, determine whether he or she is hungry, wet, or ill. If these do not appear to be causing your baby’s discomfort, certain colic measures can be tried:
- Motion techniques - rocking, walking in a snugli/carrier, going for a ride in the car.
- White noise - TV, dryer, vacuum, white noise apps, radio
- Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp M.D.
If your baby has excessive colic or you are worried, please call our advice nurse.
Ask for support if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed or depressed. One in nine mothers develops postpartum depression( partners can feel depressed too), but treatment can help.
Call our advice nurse line if your baby develops a rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher, stops eating, or becomes fussy and is unable to be consoled.
