Need advice on newborn care? We're here to help!
From sleep schedules to feedings to how to keep your child healthy, there is a lot to think about when your newborn baby arrives. Fortunately, our Chicago pediatricians are here to make the transition into becoming a new parent easier by providing comprehensive care, as well as tips and advice on how to care for your new child!. Of course, there are some topics that parents bring up more regularly. Let’s discuss those:
Sleeping
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides comprehensive information regarding how much infants, children, and even teens should sleep each night. Babies from birth to three months usually sleep around 16-17 hours per day, but the caveat is that they don’t often sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time for the first few weeks.
Know your baby’s signs that they may need to go down for a nap (e.g. they rub their eyes or they are fussier than usual). From 4 months to 12 months, a baby should be sleeping 12 to 16 hours each day (this includes naps).
Feeding
No matter whether you choose to bottle-feed or breastfeed your baby, you’ll want to have a consistent feeding schedule with your newborn. During your baby’s wellness checkups, our Chicago children’s doctor will also continue to monitor your baby’s development and growth to make sure they are getting everything they need.
A newborn will nurse anywhere from 8-12 times per day for the first month. From 1-2 months, your baby will breastfeed about 7-9 times a day (this equates to nursing every 1.5-3 hours). Nursing will become less frequent as your child gets older. It’s important not to let your baby go without nursing for more than 4 hours.
Bathing
Unlike full-grown adults, babies don’t need to bathe as regularly. We know during the first few times that you bathe your baby it can feel a little odd, however, it will become more natural with practice. If the umbilical cord stump is still attached or if a circumcised penis hasn’t completely healed then just use a washcloth to clean your newborn (do not bathe them in their baby tub). Newborns only need a bath about 2-3 times a week.
Need Newborn Care Advice? Give Us a Call
Is it time to bring your newborn in for their first pediatric visit? If so, call Children’s Healthcare Associates in Chicago today at (773) 348-8300 to schedule an appointment with a newborn care expert. We can't wait to meet your family!