Caring for Your Newborn

Caring for a newborn is often simultaneously rewarding and overwhelming. Marion, VA, pediatricians Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa newborn careLawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter share a few newborn care tips that new parents may find helpful.

Try swaddling

Many, but not all, babies enjoy being swaddled. Swaddling increases your baby's sense of security and may even prevent startling, a common phenomenon that can wake your son or daughter from a sound sleep. Make sure your infant has plenty of room to bend his or her legs when swaddled, and discontinue swaddling if it seems to upset your baby rather than calm him or her. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents stop swaddling babies at two months of age.

Make hand washing a priority

Newborns can easily catch colds and illnesses because they haven't yet developed immunities or haven't received the full schedule of vaccinations. Wash your hands before you handle your baby, and ask visitors to do the same. Although family and friends will be understandably excited about seeing your new baby, ask them to stay home if they're ill.

Keep up with newborn visits

Newborns need to see the pediatrician much more often than older children. Your baby's first appointment in our Marion office should occur just a few days after you return home. Follow up visits during the first year are usually scheduled at two weeks, one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months and one year. During those visits, we'll make sure that your child is receiving adequate nutrition and that there are no feeding issues. Growth and development are also charted, and vaccinations are provided to protect your child from a range of diseases. The visits offer an opportunity to share your concerns with the pediatrician and receive support and encouragement.

Are you looking for a newborn care provider for your baby? Call Marion, VA, pediatricians Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter at (276) 783-8183 to schedule your child's first appointment.