Get the facts about how to care for your newborn.
The saying, “Having a baby changes everything” couldn’t be more accurate. Even before your child is born you want to make sure they get the best of everything, including the best medical care. If you’ve decided that our very own Arlington, TX, pediatrician Dr. Stephanie Gold is the right doctor for your growing family, we couldn’t be more honored to care for your little one. Here’s are some quick and helpful tips to make infant and newborn care a little smoother.
Consider Taking a Class
Handling and caring for a newborn can certainly be intimidating, especially for first-time parents. Taking a newborn class can be particularly helpful for soon-to-be parents, where you can learn everything from swaddling and breastfeeding to changing and bathing your baby. Talk with our Arlington, TX, pediatrician about newborn care class options and how they can help.
Self-Care is Important
We understand that your child is quickly going to become the center of your world, but it’s important that you are also caring for yourself. After all, you can’t care for others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Ask family members, your partner or your friends to care for your little one while you take a shower or get a little time to yourself. There is nothing wrong with carving out this time, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for advocating for some self-care time, even as a parent.
Accept Help
Parents are superheroes, and even superheroes ask for help when they need it. Don’t be a hero when it comes to trying to do it all. If your family and friends ask if you need anything, take them up on it. This might mean asking a friend to pick up groceries for you or saying “yes” when your in-laws ask to help fold your laundry or clean up around the house. Take every opportunity of help that is offered.
Sleep When Baby Sleeps
We know that many parents just assume that sleep is going to be elusive from here on out, but it’s just important to plan out your sleep. It’s true that you won’t be getting a full 6-8 hours of sleep right now, especially with a newborn, but you can lie down to sleep whenever your baby does. This means getting around 2-3 hours of uninterrupted sleep before the baby gets up for another feeding. If bottle-feeding, you may swap out with your partner for feedings during the night.
Visiting Your Pediatrician
It’s important that you start bringing your newborn into our Arlington, TX, practice for regular care from the moment they are born. Your child will have their first appointment with us about 3-5 days after birth and will continue to come in at,
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
After 24 months, you’ll bring your child in once a year for checkups
We understand that you’re going to have questions about newborn care along the way, and the best person to ask is our Arlington, TX, pediatrician Dr. Gold. To get your top questions answered or to schedule your child’s first checkup, call Gold Pediatrics at (817) 466-8008.
