Congratulations on your new arrival! At Scottsdale Children's Group, the physicians and staff welcome you and look forward to caring for your child.
Health
- Infants need to sleep on their backs or sides. Do not put your baby to sleep on his/her stomach. Research shows this decreases SIDS by almost 50%. Most newborns sleep 16-18 hours per day.
- Bathe your infant 2-3 times per week with a mild soap. Bathing more often can dry their skin. Peeling is normal during the first two weeks. Avoid lotions-they sometimes cause reactions on infant skin. Keep the umbilical cord dry.
- Hiccups, sneezing and nasal congestion are typical for newborns. Fevers are not. Report any temperature over 100.0 to your physician immediately. Temperatures should be taken rectally. Ear thermometers are not accurate in infants under 8-10 months. Limit visitors and avoid crowds to prevent exposure to illnesses during the first two months.
Feeding
- Feed your infant with breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Do not give cow's milk until 12 months of age.
- Most newborns breastfeed 10-20 minutes on each breast every 2-3 hours, or take 2-3 ounces of formula every 2-3 hours. Be careful not to overfeed. You may want to try a pacifier if your baby wants to feed more than this.
- Babies do not need extra water. Do not give plain water until after 6 months of age.
- Always use a car seat. Make sure it is installed correctly in your vehicle. Five point harnesses are the safest. Straps should be snug against your baby's body when fastened.
- Lower your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental burns.
- Do not leave your baby unattended with your pets (no matter how good of a pet they are). Pets are still animals, and can act unpredictably.
Development
- Newborns can hear, see, smell, taste and feel. They can focus on objects 8-10 inches away. They respond to gentle voices and touch, especially that of their parents.
- The majority of a newborn's time is spent eating and sleeping.
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