Newborn Handbook
Your Baby’s Medical Care
Your baby should have regular medical examinations, even though he appears well. These visits will give us a chance to check on your baby’s growth and development and to talk with you about baby care. We also will give your baby immunizations at regular intervals to protect against some childhood diseases.
When to Contact Your Pediatrician’s Office: If your infant has any of the following signs of illness, you should contact your pediatrician’s office.
1. A rectal temperature of 101°F or higher in a child less than 2 months old.
2. Refusal of feedings or repeated vomiting (not simply spitting up).
3. Excessive crying without obvious cause.
4. Listlessness, excessive sleepiness.
5. Frequent fluid bowel movements with mucous, blood, or foul odor.
6. Any unusual rash.
7. Fewer wet diapers than normal.
Safety for Your Baby
Always use Infant Car Seat Beginning with the first trip home from the hospital, you should always use an infant car seat whenever you take the baby for rides. Infants are safest in the back seat and should never ride where an air bag can be deployed. A baby may be seriously injured in a sudden stop if held in a passenger’s arms rather than secured safely in an infant car seat.
Don’t leave baby on high places Never leave your baby alone on a table, changing table or other high places where he could fall off.
Sleeping Safety Be sure that the slats on the crib and playpen are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, so the baby’s head cannot possibly get caught between them. The mattress should be firm, flat, and fit the crib snugly on all four sides. Keep the crib free of pillows and toys in which the baby may become entangled.
Keep small objects out of reach Keep small objects like buttons and pins away from the baby’s reach so he is not tempted to pick them up and swallow them.
Use sun screen A baby’s delicate skin can be burned easily. When you take the baby outside, protect him from the hot rays of the sun. If you are going to be in sun-exposed areas for more than 15 minutes, a sunscreen is recommended after your baby is six months old.
Do not smoke around baby Smoking cigarettes while feeding or playing with the baby can be dangerous and harmful to the baby. No one should smoke in the house or car around the baby.
Don’t hold your baby while cooking Hot foods could splatter on the baby, or he could touch hot pans or their contents.
Making Your Baby Comfortable
Room Temperature: Try to keep a comfortable temperature in your baby’s room. Windows may be opened in warm weather, provided the baby is not in a draft and room temperature does not fall much below 68°F.
Crib: Cover the mattress with a waterproof cover, quilted pad, and a soft sheet. Do not use a pillow. The baby may be supported on his side, or could be put to sleep on his back. Do not place an infant in his crib on his stomach.
Clothing: A baby does not require any more clothing than an adult. Dress your baby according to the temperature. Some babies are allergic to material, so watch for rashes in areas in contact with clothing.
Outdoors: You can take your baby outside in pleasant weather. Babies born in warm weather can be safely strolled outside after about two weeks of age. You should avoid taking your baby to nurseries or day care centers in the first two months of life.
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