The Importance of Newborn Care

Newborn babies are fragile. The immune system of a newborn baby is still developing, so they need to be protected against viruses and bacteria. You want your newborn to thrive, and your pediatrician can help. Drs. Brian DuMais, Megan Dwyer, and Liz Dahlberg at DuMais Pediatrics in Orland Park, IL, offer a wide range of medical services for children of all ages, including newborn care.

What You Need to Know About Newborn Care

When you have a newborn, frequent visits with the pediatrician are vital to your baby’s health. The first visit often occurs within the first 2 to 5 days of birth. Your newborn will receive the first doses of some vaccines and will receive the first physical examination.

It's during this first visit that the pediatrician will measure and record weight, height, and other information about your baby to provide a baseline. The baseline is used to track your baby’s growth and development over time, to make sure your baby is growing and developing at a normal pace.

There are also a few simple guidelines you should know about caring for your newborn. Consider:

• Feeding, because your newborn will want to feed every 2 to 3 hours if you are breastfeeding, or every 3 to 4 hours on formula
• Sleeping, because your newborn will want to sleep most of the day, or at least 16 hours in the first few weeks
• Placement, because you should always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, to make breathing easier
• Bathing, because you shouldn’t bathe your baby too often, to prevent dry skin, and only use mild soap and lukewarm water

Remember to care for yourself too, because you need to be rested and refreshed to care for your baby. Try to sleep when your newborn sleeps. You should also try to take a walk outside with your baby, for a much-needed break. Remember to ask for help from family and friends too.

Want to Know More about Newborn Care?

To learn more about the importance of newborn care and how your pediatrician can help you, call Drs. Brian DuMais, Megan Dwyer, and Liz Dahlberg at DuMais Pediatrics in Orland Park, IL. You can reach them in the office by calling (708) 364-1600, so call today.