Newborn Care 101: A Guide for First-Time Parents

If you are a first-time parent, newborn care can seem daunting. You probably have a lot of questions. Even experienced parents can have difficulty with newborn care. Your pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics in Owings Mills, MD, are here to help.

What You Need To Know About Newborn Care

Remember these important tips:

  • Feeding. Newborns eat frequently in the beginning. Sometimes, every hour. This does not last and they gradually spread out the feedings.
  • Sleeping. Babies sleep a great deal in the beginning, but usually not for long stretches. Remember to always place your baby on their back when sleeping, with no pillows or blankets in the crib or bassinet. It looks very stark and empty but is extremely important for safety.
  • Bathing. No baths until the cord falls off. After that, bathing is fine, but avoid soaps in the beginning. The baby is not getting very dirty (except some parts), and soap can dry out the skin. Use only unscented products.

Remember to take time out for yourself. You should:

  • Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Everyone tells you this for a good reason. You can not take care of the baby if you don’t take care of yourself.
  • Take walks outside with your baby, to enjoy fresh air and exercise, even just 5 minutes outside can help you feel better.
  • Ask for help from family and friends to assist with newborn care, housework, and daily tasks

After you get home from the hospital, we want to see you and the baby in the office within 2 days. These visits are important to evaluate your baby’s adaption to life outside the womb. Routine check ups align with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule. Our website has lists of books and website which may be helpful.

Want To Know More?

To discover more about newborn care, and how your pediatrician can help, call the pediatricians at Valley Pediatric Associates in Owings Mills, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (410) 902-7710, so call today.

If you are a first-time parent, newborn care can seem daunting. You probably have a lot of questions. Even experienced parents can have difficulty with newborn care. Your pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics in Owings Mills, MD, are here to help.

What You Need To Know About Newborn Care

Remember these important tips:

  • Feeding. Newborns eat frequently in the beginning. Sometimes, every hour. This does not last and they gradually spread out the feedings.
  • Sleeping. Babies sleep a great deal in the beginning, but usually not for long stretches. Remember to always place your baby on their back when sleeping, with no pillows or blankets in the crib or bassinet. It looks very stark and empty but is extremely important for safety.
  • Bathing. No baths until the cord falls off. After that, bathing is fine, but avoid soaps in the beginning. The baby is not getting very dirty (except some parts), and soap can dry out the skin. Use only unscented products.

Remember to take time out for yourself. You should:

  • Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Everyone tells you this for a good reason. You can not take care of the baby if you don’t take care of yourself.
  • Take walks outside with your baby, to enjoy fresh air and exercise, even just 5 minutes outside can help you feel better.
  • Ask for help from family and friends to assist with newborn care, housework, and daily tasks

After you get home from the hospital, we want to see you and the baby in the office within 2 days. These visits are important to evaluate your baby’s adaption to life outside the womb. Routine check ups align with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule. Our website has lists of books and website which may be helpful.

Want To Know More?

To discover more about newborn care, and how your pediatrician can help, call the pediatricians at Valley Pediatric Associates in Owings Mills, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (410) 902-7710, so call today.

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8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday  

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday  

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday  

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Friday  

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday  

Emergencies only. Please call 410-902-7710

Sunday  

Emergencies only. Please call 410-902-7710