Feedings:

• Recommended to exclusively breast feed for the first six months. Iron fortified formula is the recommended substitute.
• Should be eating every 2-3 hours (8-12 feedings daily) at this time, sometimes more frequently.
• Should be having 6-8 wet diapers a day.
• If breast feeding, continue with prenatal vitamin. Also, should be giving the baby vitamin D drops daily.
• No water, no juice.
• No foods.

Safety:

• Patient should be in rear facing car seat, in the back seat.
• Never leave the baby in the car, alone. This can cause heat stroke.
• Baby should always be put back to sleep.
• Baby should be sleeping in their own crib or bassinet.
• The crib or bassinet should have a tightly fitted sheet. No loose bedding, no blankets, just the baby and their swaddle in the crib or bassinet.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Those who will have frequent interaction with the baby should be up to date with their TDaP vaccine.
• Avoid those who are sick with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• If the baby develops a fever (temperature of greater than 100.4), please contact us immediately.

Behavior and Care:

• Use fragrance free soaps and lotions.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Change diaper frequently to prevent diaper rash.
• No full water baths or tummy time until the cord has fallen off. If you notice, redness, drainage, or bad smell coming from the cord, please contact us.
• Try to learn different sounds of the cries for your baby.
• Babies will take multiple naps a day at this age. They will usually get tired around the 35-60 minute mark.
• Watch for sleepy cues, yawning, staring off, eyebrows getting red/flushed, rubbing of the eyes, starting to be fussy. Offer a nap at these signs.
• Once the cord has fallen off, place the baby on their belly for 1-2 minutes with every diaper change.

The newborn period can be tough! Please contact us for any questions or concerns regarding your newborn baby. We are here to help you get through this!