Newborn Anticipatory Guidance

Question 1

What are some of the key things that parents can do to lower their child’s risk of SIDS?

Answer 1

• Always keep baby sleeping on their back
• Place the baby on a firm mattress (no waterbeds, soft mattresses or sofas)
• Avoid loose bedding, pillows, toys, blanket rolls, etc.
• Avoid cigarette smoke exposure
• AAP pacifier use between 2 weeks-6months

Question 2

What are the car seat guidelines?

Answer 2

• Remain rear-facing in car seat for as long as the weight guides say on the car seat (usu. up to 40 pounds)
• Front-facing car seat up to 65 pounds
• Booster seat for 8-12 year olds until they are of appropriate size for vehicle seat

Question 3

What are some reasons to bring newborn back in immediately?

Answer 3

• Temperature above 100.4ºF or below 98ºF
• Not drinking/feeding well
• More jaundice
• Inconsolable crying
• Breathing fast

Question 4

How often should a newborn baby be eating?

Answer 4

8-12 feeds/day; although it is not abnormal for baby to sleep through 2 feedings or go 6-8 hours without eating
- tell doctor if the number of wet diapers baby produces is decreasing

Question 5

What should I do if my newborn has noisy breathing at night?

Answer 5

1. Suction with bulb.
2. You can also try adding a few drops of nasal saline and suction again.
3. Finally, you can use a cool mist humidifier.

If you baby has grunting with their breathing, flared nostrils, or retractions, you should call your doctor.

Question 6

What should I do if my baby sleeps through the day and is awake all night?!

Answer 6

This is normal and definitely gets better within the first 4-8 weeks of life. Some things that may help include: cycled lighting, longer feeding periods, and decreased stimulation at night.

Question 7

Why does my baby look yellow?!

Answer 7

• Physiologic jaundice is normal and present in 60-70% of infants in the USA
• We check bilirubin levels at 24 hours and can do things like light therapy to help the baby change bilirubin to a form that can be better excreted/eliminated by their body.

Question 8

How often should babies be bathed?

Answer 8

Every few days, using gentle, non-perfumed soaps/shampoos.

Question 9

When will the umbilical cord fall off?

Answer 9

Usually after 2 weeks. Try keeping the cord stump area dry.

Question 10

How often should babies poop?

Answer 10

Anywhere from once every 5 days, to five times a day