Your child’s pediatrician plays an important role in the growth and development of your newborn baby. A child enters this world helpless, requiring all its needs from your hands. You may feel overwhelmed by this critical task. The doctor can give you insightful tips on how to provide a nurturing, comfortable environment for your precious baby.
A pediatrician takes an active part in the child’s life shortly after birth. The doctor will check on the baby a day or two following labor and delivery. Parents should take the child to the doctor’s office three to five days after birth. The doctor will weigh and measure the child and ask the caregiver about eating and sleeping habits. A baby’s doctor will do a hearing screening and will examine the child’s eyes, ears, mouth, skin, lungs and abdomen.
A baby’s growth in the first few weeks and month of life is crucial. Babies need to eat often, so parents should pay close attention to eating schedules. In general, parents should feed the baby every one to three hours, whether the child is bottle-fed or breastfed. Newborns typically drink 1 to 2 ounces of milk in the first weeks of life. Parents should gradually increase this as the baby grows.
A newborn baby will sleep up to 18 hours a day or more. When a caregiver lies the child down, there should not be any toys or loose bedding in the crib. This could be a suffocation hazard. Also, at sleep time, always put the baby on their back, never on their stomach or side. A pediatrician may recommend that parents sleep in the same room as the newborn.
Back-sleeping is vital for babies, but they should also spend time on the other side. Tummy time helps reduce the risk of the baby developing a flat head. It also helps the baby develop strength. Being on the tummy also gives the baby the chance to explore.
Babies need to feel close to their mothers. Whether during feeding times or other occasions, the mother should have skin-to-skin contact with the baby. This can calm the child during bouts of fussiness too.
Parents should be mindful of who holds and gets close to the baby. An experienced pediatrician will advise parents to keep the child indoors as much as possible during the first month or two of life. This is especially true in the winter when the flu runs rampant.
As a parent, you need to do your part to create the right environment for your baby to grow and develop. You can prevent many troubling situations for your child by following these guidelines from your pediatrician. If you have other questions or concerns about caring for your newborn, your doctor can help. Do not forget to schedule your baby’s next appointment.
Get more information about Emerald Pediatric & Family Clinic in Houston at https://www.emeraldpediatricandfamilyclinic.com.
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