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Congratulations, new moms and dads! In the first few days after baby’s birth, you may feel overwhelmed not only with emotions but also with worries about how to care for your newborn. That’s one reason why it’s crucial to attend all your appointments with your pediatrician and inform them of any concerns you might have.
7 questions to ask during newborn visits
1. How much should I feed my baby?
Whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding your newborn, make sure to consult your pediatrician on how much she should eat every day. What to Expect recommends discussing the pros and cons of feeding on demand versus following a feeding schedule, how to recognize hunger and satiety cues, and signs that your baby may be eating too much. According to Children’s Wisconsin, these signs include frequent or large amounts of spit-up, rapid weight gain, and fussiness after feeding.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW2. How much sleep should my baby be getting?
What to Expect says that newborns usually sleep at least 16 hours every day, but sleep patterns can vary for each child, so consulting your pediatrician about this is always a good idea. You can ask them about how to teach your child how to differentiate between daytime and night-time and whether or not it’s advisable to wake your baby up for feedings.
3. How do I keep my baby safe when she sleeps?
Aside from ensuring your baby gets adequate sleep, see to it that her sleep environment is safe. Your doctor’s input on this subject can help you achieve that. Safe sleep practices include having your baby sleep on her back, room-sharing (placing her sleeping area in your room) for the first six months, and clearing her sleeping area of objects like pillows and stuffed toys.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW4. What should my baby’s poop look like? How often should she poop?
It might sound strange, but it’s normal for baby poop to come in strange colors like black or green. The frequency and consistency of your baby’s poop can also vary as her eating changes in her first days of life, says Children’s Wisconsin. To know more about the color, frequency, or consistency of your child’s poop, talk to your doctor.
5. How should I bathe my baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only giving your baby sponge baths until her umbilical cord falls off. Children’s Wisconsin also advises parents against filling the tub with water and instead focusing on the baby’s mouth and diaper area and the areas under her arms and between her toes. Ask your doctor about how often to bathe your baby, which products you can use, and how to keep her safe during bath time.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW6. Is my baby at a healthy weight?
Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann notes that babies usually lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first days after birth, after which they start to gain weight again. After around two weeks, they normally go back to how much they weighed when they were born. If you think your baby might be gaining too little or too much weight, make sure to inform your doctor.
7. How do I know if my baby is sick?
Babies can’t say when they are unwell but you’ll be able to tell if something’s wrong through their behavior. According to Dr. Altmann, signs to watch out for include not eating well, being too sleepy, irritability, or a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. If your baby also shows signs like rapid breathing, vomiting, or a decreased number of wet diapers, call your doctor immediately.
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