Further Reading

I’m expecting a baby this summer. What is the most important information I need to know about the care of my newborn?

Newborn

by Katie M. Bell, RPA- C

  • Your baby must be taken home from the hospital in an infant car seat located in the back seat of your car. The car seat must be facing backward at all times. Your infant should never be driven in the car without being properly harnessed into a rear-facing car seat.
  • Your newborn should never be in an environment full of cigarette smoke. Any car or home that a baby is in must be free of smoke at all times.
  • Smoke detectors should be checked frequently and placed in every room in the home.
  • When putting your baby to sleep in a bassinet or crib, the baby must be placed on his or her back. Never place a newborn baby on his or her side or stomach to sleep. There should not be any blankets, toys or stuffed animals near a baby’s face.
  • Never shake a baby, regardless of the circumstances.
  • When bathing your baby, keep the water temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The baby should never be left alone in the bathtub.
  • Do not apply sunscreen or insect spray on a newborn baby. He or she should be kept in the shade away from the sun.
  • Never leave your baby unattended. A newborn baby must be supervised at all times.
  • Never drink any hot liquids or eat any hot foods while holding a baby.
  • Watch carefully for any signs or symptoms of illness. A baby’s temperature must be taken rectally. If there is any rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is best to seek medical attention, so the baby can be examined.

These are the best tips to help keep your child healthy and safe and enjoy every minute of your newborn baby!