From the Guidelines
Caring for a newborn requires strict adherence to guidelines that prioritize their safety, health, and development, with the most critical aspect being to always place the baby on their back to sleep on a firm mattress with no pillows, blankets, or toys to reduce SIDS risk, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
Essential Care Instructions
To ensure the best possible outcomes for newborns, the following care instructions are paramount:
- Feed the baby every 2-3 hours, whether breastfeeding or using formula, and watch for 6-8 wet diapers daily as a sign of adequate nutrition.
- Change diapers frequently, cleaning the genital area thoroughly with each change and applying petroleum jelly to prevent diaper rash.
- For umbilical cord care, keep the area clean and dry until it falls off naturally in 1-2 weeks, using only water for cleaning and avoiding submerging it during baths.
- Support the newborn's head and neck when holding them since they lack muscle control.
- Watch for signs of illness including fever above 100.4°F, poor feeding, unusual fussiness, lethargy, or skin color changes, which warrant immediate medical attention.
Safety Precautions
It is crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths:
- Use a firm sleep surface and keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the infant’s sleep area 1.
- Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, as it has been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS 1.
- Avoid smoke exposure, alcohol, and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth, as these can significantly increase the risk of SIDS and other adverse outcomes 1.
Immunization and Medical Care
- Ensure the newborn receives the recommended immunizations, starting with the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
- Identify a physician-directed source of continuing health care (medical home) for the mother and infant, and schedule the infant’s first visit shortly after discharge from the hospital 1. By following these guidelines and recommendations, new parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with newborn care and provide their baby with the best possible start in life.
From the Research
Essential Care Instructions for Newborns
- Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for approximately 6 months after birth, as it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by approximately 50% at all ages throughout infancy 2, 3, 4.
- Sleep Environment: Infants should be placed to sleep in a safe environment, including a supine position, a firm surface, no soft objects and loose bedding, no head covering, no overheating, and room-sharing without bed-sharing 5.
- Pacifier Use: The use of a pacifier during sleep time can protect against sudden infant death syndrome and should be recommended 5.
- Avoidance of Harmful Substances: Parents should be advised against the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during gestation and after birth 5.
- Complementary Feeding: Complementary feeding should begin for infants by six months of age (26 weeks) but not before 17 weeks, with breast milk or infant formula continuing during this period 6.
- Monitoring Growth and Development: Healthcare professionals should monitor growth and development, understand the needs of parents, and be aware of key nutrients and foods needed during the complementary feeding period 6.