Newborn Care 101: What To Expect in the First Few Weeks

Welcoming a new baby to the family is an exciting event. As a new parent, you may worry about how to care for the new life in your hands, so the help of a caring pediatrician like Dr. Arturo Quintanilla is essential. When you need quality newborn care in Rancho Mirage, CA, make an appointment at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics.

Why You Need Newborn Care in Rancho Mirage, CA

Immunizations

 Help your child build immunity from birth by following the proper vaccination schedule. While your child may have some natural antibodies from some of the mother’s immunizations, like the measles vaccine, that protection usually wears off within six months to a year. Your child's first vaccine is given right after birth. Dr. Quintanilla should see your baby within a few days after birth for more vaccinations and a thorough wellness check.

The child's immune system is fragile, but the right vaccines can prevent illnesses that cause chronic diarrhea, paralysis, respiratory ailments, whooping cough, allergies, and more. Most of your child's immunizations occur from birth through the first six years of life. If you have any questions about the value of vaccines, Dr. Quintanilla will explain them to you and what each one does. 

 Standard vaccines include:

• Rotavirus
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Influenza
• Chickenpox
• Polio
• MMR(Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
• Tetanus
• COVID-19 ( by six months)

Sleep

 One of the biggest adjustments any new parent must make is your new baby’s sleeping schedule. Your infant will spend most of the day sleeping, but only for a few hours. When your child wakes up, they will need to be fed. Keeping your child in a temperature-controlled and quiet environment is essential to helping them sleep properly. At four to six months, your infant can sleep 6 to 8 hours through the night. However, some infants may struggle with sleep due to colic.

Colic involves constant crying and unexplained signs of physical tension. It can result from feeding issues, gas, or a stressful sleeping environment. Discuss such concerns with your pediatrician for advice on what adjustments to make.

Feeding

 Your baby’s little body requires constant feeding about every three hours. Breastfeeding provides nutrients and immunity support for the child. However, according to Healthy Children, if you can’t breastfeed, you should give the baby about 1.5 to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours.

For many years, Dr. Quintanilla has provided newborn care in Rancho Mirage, CA. If you want a compassionate professional to manage your little one's health, call Rancho Mirage Pediatrics at 760-770-0000 today.