You want your newborn to stay healthy, and there are a few important things you can do to help safeguard your baby’s health. Your pediatrician can help. The pediatricians at Acton Road Pediatrics in Birmingham, AL, provide comprehensive medical services for children, including newborn care.
What You Need To Know About Newborn Care and Keeping Your Baby Healthy
One of the best ways you can keep your baby healthy is to make sure your baby is visiting the pediatrician regularly. The first pediatric visit happens early, usually within the first 2 to 5 days of birth. Subsequent visits should happen at 2 weeks 1,2,4,6,9,15,18, and 24 months.
Another important tip to keep your baby healthy is to make sure your baby is current on immunizations, including measles, meningitis, and others. Your pediatrician is an expert at immunizations and can make sure your child stays immunized against serious, contagious diseases.
Other important tips on newborn care include:
- Feeding your baby every 2 to 3 hours if you are breastfeeding, or every 3 to 4 hours on formula
- Letting your baby sleep at least 16 hours each day in the first few weeks
- Placing your baby on their back to make breathing easier
- Avoid bathing your baby too often because it can dry out your baby’s skin
- Only use mild cleansers and lukewarm water to bathe your baby
Even with the best preventive newborn care, your baby can still become ill. You should bring your baby to see the pediatrician if your baby has:
- A fever which has lasted longer than 2 days
- A fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is under 2 months old
- A fever least 104 degrees Fahrenheit, if your child is 2 months or older
- Red, itchy ears or eyes
- Problems swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chronic coughing and wheezing
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- A persistent skin rash
Early treatment from a pediatrician can help your child heal and feel better quickly.
Want To Know More About Newborn Care and How to Keep Your Baby Healthy?
To find out more about the newborn care and how to keep your baby healthy, call the pediatricians at Acton Road Pediatrics in Birmingham, AL. You can reach them in the office by calling (205) 978-8245, so call today.