Copyright © 2023 • Just 4 Kids Health
Congratulations on your new baby! Parenthood is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It can also be one of the most challenging, and those challenges begin during the newborn stage. The good news is that you are not alone. Our knowledgeable team at Just 4 Kids can help answer all your questions and provide support during this vital time.
Newborn care is the care your baby receives during the infant stage, which officially lasts between 3-4 months. At Just 4 Kids, we recommend visiting a pediatrician around six times in your baby’s first year, with your first appointment around 3-5 days after birth to check your baby’s milestones and provide information about the following facets of newborn care:
Bathing: Learn how to support a baby in the bath and ensure correct water temperatures.
Bonding: Develop strong parental bonds via breastfeeding, skin-to-skin touch, and mimicking, amongst other things.
Check-ups: Book six check-ups with a primary care provider during a newborn’s first year.
Diapering: Learn to change your baby’s diaper roughly every 2-3 hours at least eight times daily.
Dressing: Learn dressing recommendations, such as no coats or jackets in the car.
Feeding/burping: Learn when and how to breastfeed or formula feed (between 8 and 12 times a day) with regular, supported burping.
Holding: Practice head support when holding your newborn, and learn to avoid lifting them from underneath their arms.
Milestones: Learn about newborn milestones, such as smiling, focusing on objects, and bringing the hands to the face.
Safety and first-aid: Understand newborn safety risks like choking, overheating, and infection.
Sleeping: Develop a schedule that allows your baby around 15.5 hours of sleep daily, with wake windows no longer than an hour.
Swaddling: Discover how to practice safe swaddling, which includes placing a baby on their back and stopping when they begin to roll.
Vaccinations: Ensure your baby receives its first vaccines 12-24 hours after birth and understand vaccine schedules throughout their first year.
Newborn primary care is vital because it:
Our newborn care appointments can provide a great deal of reassurance, as well as advice and urgent care for a range of newborn issues that you should be monitoring, such as –
Abnormal stool patterns: Stool that is infrequent or requires strain to pass and is either hard or mucusy
Dehydration: A dry or sticky mouth, few wet diapers, and sunken eyes with little to no tears when crying
Feeding difficulties: Refusal to eat, continual crying during feeding, or few wet diapers
Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher, as well as flushed cheeks, shivering, or sweating
Jaundice: A visible yellowing of a newborn’s skin or eyes
Lethargy: Difficulty waking, a lack of response, or a baby who is too weak to cry
Persistent crying: Persistent crying that lasts for more than three hours and doesn’t ease with soothing, feeding, or changing
Rashes/blisters: Newborn rashes or blisters that ooze, spread, or are accompanied by a fever
Reflex/muscle concerns: Absence of a startle reflex or reflexes that last longer than they should
Respiratory distress: Fast or labored breathing, chest retractions, and flaring nostrils
Swelling or bulging soft spots: Visible swelling or bulging in the soft spot on top of a newborn’s head that could indicate pressure or fluid buildup
Umbilical cord issues: Signs of infection around the umbilical cord, including a foul-smelling discharge
You may be surprised by how strong your parental instincts will be–even early on. With time, you’ll become more confident in understanding and meeting your baby’s needs. However, if you don’t know what to do and would like assistance, our experienced team will happily provide reliable guidance and advice.
The provider will measure your child’s height and weight to track their growth over time. These measurements are monitored and compared to standard growth percentiles.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Just 4 Kids. We will be sure to address any concerns you may have, no matter how big or small.
We understand that there is some controversy regarding whether or not to vaccinate newborns. Delaying or refusing vaccinations can put your baby at risk for life-threatening illnesses. We recommend that you book your baby’s vaccines appropriate for their age.
If you’re worried about your baby, it’s always worth seeking professional advice. However, there are signs to look out for that can help you determine the source of the problem. Fevers, persistent crying, sudden changes in behavior, or unusual facial expressions may indicate something is wrong. Your baby may yawn, rub their eyes, suck on their hands, turn away, or shift about if they are uncomfortable, hungry, or tired.
You can tell if your newborn is thriving if they seem generally happy and hit all their weight and physical milestones during wellness checks.
At Just 4 Kids, we provide encouragement and support for parents from the infant stage to early adulthood. Our care team is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help with your newborn care questions or concerns. Contact us at (208) 701-0277 to schedule an appointment!
CALL 911 IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY.
IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS POISONED, CALL THE POISON CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222.
3320 So. 25th East
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404
Phone: (208) 656-1500
Fax: (208) 656-1502
Copyright © 2023 • Just 4 Kids Health
(208) 701-0277
(208) 534-7881