We know that having a new baby can come with a lot of questions, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

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Bathing

A newborn should not be put into a tub of water until the umbilical cord has completely fallen off. Any products used on your baby’s skin should be hypoallergenic and free of any dyes, soaps or heavy fragrances.

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Laundry

A baby’s skin is sensitive, fabric softeners should not be used on their clothing or on mom’s clothes if she will be breast feeding the child (since baby will be in close contact with mom’s clothing at this time). Hypoallergenic or biodegradable products are best to use on the entire family’s clothing when possible.

 

Umbilical Cord Care

Alcohol or peroxide should be applied to the base of the cord at least 4 times daily. Do not be afraid to push any surrounding skin down and away from the cord to reach the base if necessary, this will not harm the baby. The cord generally falls off completely in about 2 weeks.

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Circumcision

Vaseline should be applied until the penis has healed enough that it does not stick to the diaper

 

Vaginal Discharge

It is normal for newborn baby girls to have a thick, whitish discharge or a mild bloody discharge. This is caused by secondary hormones from the mother and will resolve on its own.

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Bowel Movements

Newborn bowel movements are very dark with a sticky consistency at first. This is called meconium and is formed while the baby is still inside the mother. Once the baby starts to eat, stool color and consistency will vary. A breast feeding mother may see loose, yellowish stools with seedy pellets in it; whereas a formula fed baby may produce a thicker, pasty stool that is more formed and can vary in color from yellowish, greenish or brown. Stool frequency can also vary from one with each feeding to once every other day. It is preferable that the baby have at least one stool for every 24 hour period, but as long as the baby does not seem to be in pain or is having small, hard, rock-like stools there is no reason to worry.

 

Feeding

Breast milk is the best food to give a baby, however for those who choose not to breast feed, formula is available. Every effort has been made to make formula as nutritious for baby as possible. Always read the directions for preparing formula carefully and only use clean water; bottled nursery water if necessary. Breast milk is digested faster than formula so a breast fed baby will eat about every two hours, whereas a formula fed baby may only eat every three to four hours. Please do not give your baby any solid food unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

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General Care

Please keep people who are sick away from your newborn. Avoid exposing your newborn to crowded places for the first 2 months. To avoid falls, never leave your infant unattended on an elevated surface. Always have your infant sleeping on their back, but be sure to allow tummy time when they are awake.

 

Vaccines

It is recommended that newborns receive a Hepatitis B vaccine prior to being discharged from the hospital to go home. Once the first Hepatitis B vaccine has been given the baby will not receive anymore immunizations until their 2 month wellness visit.

 

 

When to be concerned?

Please call at any time, for any concern you may have. You must call if your baby is exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Refusing to eat

• Not wetting their diaper

• Running a temperature of 100.3 or higher

• Irritability

• Unable to be consoled by feeding, changing or being held

• Distress or difficulty breathing

• Skin or eyes become yellow

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For after hours emergencies, please call 757-547-5851 and listen to the entire voice message for instructions on how to reach the doctor.