Newborn Care and Development - What To Expect

Having a newborn is a joyful time in your life, but taking care of a newborn can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the experience. Don’t worry. Your pediatrician is there to help. Dr. Art Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, provides comprehensive medical care for children, including newborn care.

What You Need to Know about Newborn Care and Development

Newborn visits are an excellent opportunity for your pediatrician to monitor your baby’s health, growth, and development. Newborn visits start early, usually within the first 2 to 5 days of birth. During this first visit and subsequent newborn visits, your pediatrician will:

• Administer the first and subsequent doses of vaccines to protect against contagious, serious illnesses and medical conditions
• Measure and monitor your baby’s growth and development, to ensure your newborn is growing and developing normally
• Discuss newborn care with you, so that you know what to do to take care of your newborn

When you are taking care of your newborn at home, remember to:

• Feed your newborn every 2 to 3 hours if you are breastfeeding
• If your newborn is on formula, your newborn should feed every 3 to 4 hours
• Let your newborn sleep most of the day, or at least 16 hours in the first weeks of birth
• Place your newborn on his or her back to sleep, to allow your baby to breathe easily
• Bathe your newborn with mild soap and lukewarm water
• Thoroughly clean the folds of skin to remove bacteria
• Don't bathe your baby too often to avoid drying out your baby’s skin
• Try to sleep when your newborn sleeps, so you can be rested to care for your newborn
• Go for walks outside with your newborn, to give you and your newborn a needed break

Want to Know More?

To learn more about newborn growth and development, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Art Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (760) 770-0000, so call today.