What Is Newborn Care?

How your pediatrician in Lithonia, Clarkston, and Smyrna, GA, can help with newborn care

When you have a newborn, your newborn needs special care. Newborns are fragile, with immune systems which are not fully developed. Your pediatrician understands this and is an expert at newborn care. Our providers at Decatur Pediatric Group in Lithonia, Clarkston, and Smyrna, GA, provides comprehensive pediatric services, including newborn care.

So, what is newborn care? It’s caring for your baby within a few days, weeks, and months of birth. Consider that the first visit by your pediatrician will happen within 2 to 5 days of birth, often while you are still in the hospital.

During this visit, your pediatrician will:

• Perform a physical examination of your newborn, checking for any medical issues or concerns
• Record measurements of length, weight, and other information which will be used to track your baby’s ongoing growth and development
• Answer any questions and discuss overall health, feeding, bathing, changing, sleeping, and other newborn information with you
• Provide the first doses of immunizations your baby needs

In addition to care from your pediatrician, there are a few steps you can take to help your newborn thrive. You should:

• Feed your newborn every 2 to 3 hours if you are breastfeeding, or every 3 to 4 hours if you are feeding your newborn formula
• Let your newborn sleep at least 16 hours a day in the beginning
• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, to aid in breathing
• When you change your baby, your newborn’s stool will be black initially, changing to dark green, and then to yellow
• Bathe your baby with mild soap and lukewarm water, and carefully clean the folds of skin, where bacteria can thrive
• Bring your baby to visit the pediatrician as recommended

To learn more about how your pediatrician can help when you have a newborn, talk with an expert. Call our providers at Decatur Pediatric Group in Lithonia, Clarkston, and Smyrna, GA. You can reach the office by calling (404) 296-7133, so call today.