A new baby can be a simultaneously exciting and overwhelming experience. There are many lifestyle shifts and rules that come with a child. Our doctors here at Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ, Dr. David Yip and Dr. Dinna Rosenthal, receive many questions from new parents on newborn care. Here are the answers to some of the most burning questions we get:
1. Are pacifiers good for a baby?
Pacifiers can be beneficial in that they are a distraction for a fussy baby, although they may interfere with breastfeeding.
2. How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns should be fed eight to twelve times a day. You can also trust the baby's signals to tell when he or she is hungry. An infant may cry or search for a breast when hungry.
3. How Long Should My Newborn Be Sleeping?
Newborns spend a lot of time sleeping, up to 18 hours a day. Since they don't have regular sleep cycles, expect them to wake up often.
4. What Do I Do When the Baby Won’t Stop Crying?
Although a baby crying is often a cry for help, sometimes they just won't stop. There are several strategies to sooth a fussy baby including pacifiers, toys, bouncing or rocking, and rubbing the baby's stomach to aid digestion. If the crying persists, bring the child in for a newborn care visit at Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ, to make sure everything is going smoothly.
5. What's the best way to prevent diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a fungal infection caused by leaving a baby to sit in their unchanged diaper. The best ways are to prevent this is to change the diaper regularly so moisture can't build up, leave the diaper loose overnight, and apply desitin.
All in all, having a newborn is an exciting and novel time in a parent's life. Having a trusted resource is vital during this time. For any newborn care questions not answered here, give the Anthem, AZ doctors at Angel Pediatrics, Dr. David Yip and Dr. Dinna Rosenthal. a call at (623) 551-0442.