Newborn Care: What To Know

Greensboro Children's Clinic is here to help with all your pediatric healthcare needs including newborn nursery care in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Maria Reid helps you care for newborns because the tiniest little lives need special attention to stay healthy. Keep reading about newborn nursery care and contact us to make an appointment for your newborn.

Handling a Newborn

Always wash or disinfect your hands and arms before handling the baby. Handwashing is important for stopping the spread of germs and especially to protect newborns. Always support the baby's head and neck when handling them. You need to always be gentle with a newborn, and never shake the baby. Shaking a baby can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Nursing a Newborn

Breastfeeding starts immediately in the hospital, but it is normal if it takes some time for you and your baby to develop good habits. Get as comfortable as you can. It's important to nurse about every three hours and follow a schedule so your baby eats enough. If you continue to have problems breastfeeding your doctor may recommend a lactation consultant to help you develop a good routine.

Bathing a Newborn

Bathing for your newborn starts with sponge bathing. You use this method until the umbilical cord has fallen off or when the circumcision has completely healed. When you start bathing, use lukewarm water and bathe your baby gently with soft washcloths and only cleansers made for babies. You should bathe the baby 2-3 times a week. Any more bathing than that can try out their delicate skin.

When to See Our Doctor

Your baby should have well-baby visits a few days after being home from the hospital and then at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months. For a newborn, any fever above 100.4 degrees is cause for alarm and you should call your doctor. Also if the baby stops eating, develops a rash, if the skin or whites of their eyes turn yellow, or if they can't be consoled. You should also call your doctor for support if you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed.

Dr. Maria Reid and the pediatric team at Greensboro Children's Clinic are here for you with newborn nursery care in Greensboro, NC. Newborns need special, gentle care and we can help you develop good habits for your baby's health. Contact us for an appointment at (336) 799-2422.