Newborn Care: FAQs for New Mothers & Expecting Parents
Bringing home your newborn is an exciting experience. As new mothers and expecting parents learn about the newborn, questions and concerns often develop about the baby’s well-being and common activities. Our pediatricians at AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun & Cartersville provide answers to the most frequently asked questions and offer advice for the most common issues that concern new parents:
How much do newborn babies sleep?
Newborn babies sleep as many as 16 hours per day during their first 3 months. However, these 16 hours are often not consecutive, as newborn babies wake every 2 to 3 hours to be fed or changed. When newborns reach 6 months, they often sleep 6 to 7 hours per night, and continue to sleep more as they age.
Should I breastfeed my newborn?
Breastfeeding is a personal decision for new mothers. Breastfeeding your newborn offers many benefits to you and your baby, including:
· Provides essential nutrients and fatty acids
· Gives anti-bodies to fight disease and infection
· Increase postpartum weight loss
How much should I feed my newborn?
Newborn babies should be fed every 2 to 3 hours, and there are a few key signs that will let you know he or she is getting enough to eat:
· Baby drinks 2 to 3 ounces of formula or spends 10 to 15 minutes at each breast.
· Baby begins to gain weight during the second week
How often should a newborn be cleaned?
Because their skin is so sensitive, newborn babies should only be bathed up to 3 times per week, The pediatricians at AGC Pediatrics recommend using a damp cloth or sponge with warm water and scent-free, hypoallergenic baby wash to clean your newborn.
Is it normal for my newborn baby to spit up?
Newborn babies often spit up after being fed. If you notice that your baby is gaining weight, don’t worry. However, if you notice that he or she is spitting up more often, or if something seems wrong, our pediatricians urge you to schedule an appointment in our Calhoun or Cartersville locations immediately.
Our Triage line is available for parents who need to speak with our team after hours. A nurse will return your call within 30 minutes.
When can I take my newborn baby outside?
Parents of newborn babies may take the baby outside at any point as long as the baby is dressed appropriately. It’s important to remember that newborn babies lose body heat much quicker than adults, so if it’s cold outside, bundle up your baby in warm clothes and bring extra blankets along for your outdoor excursion.
What if my child becomes ill or has a fever?
If your newborn develops a fever higher than 100.4°F, schedule an appointment at one of our Calhoun or Cartersville, GA offices. Our pediatricians also recommend scheduling an appointment if your newborn is acting oddly, refusing food, or is increasingly fussy.
If your child becomes ill after hours, please visit the nearest emergency room.
Contact AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun & Cartersville, GA
Our expert team at AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun and Cartersville, Georgia offers complete care for children from newborns to age 21.
Our faith-based practice offers experience and compassionate care to patients across North Georgia. Schedule an appointment in one of our Cartersville or Calhoun offices online or via telephone at 706-625-5900 to learn more about our pediatric care.
Please note that the information on this site is educational in nature and should not be used to diagnose or substitute an examination or assessment from your child’s pediatrician. Please schedule an appointment with AGC Pediatrics if you are worried about your child’s health.
How much do newborn babies sleep?
Newborn babies sleep as many as 16 hours per day during their first 3 months. However, these 16 hours are often not consecutive, as newborn babies wake every 2 to 3 hours to be fed or changed. When newborns reach 6 months, they often sleep 6 to 7 hours per night, and continue to sleep more as they age.
Should I breastfeed my newborn?
Breastfeeding is a personal decision for new mothers. Breastfeeding your newborn offers many benefits to you and your baby, including:
· Provides essential nutrients and fatty acids
· Gives anti-bodies to fight disease and infection
· Increase postpartum weight loss
How much should I feed my newborn?
Newborn babies should be fed every 2 to 3 hours, and there are a few key signs that will let you know he or she is getting enough to eat:
· Baby drinks 2 to 3 ounces of formula or spends 10 to 15 minutes at each breast.
· Baby begins to gain weight during the second week
How often should a newborn be cleaned?
Because their skin is so sensitive, newborn babies should only be bathed up to 3 times per week, The pediatricians at AGC Pediatrics recommend using a damp cloth or sponge with warm water and scent-free, hypoallergenic baby wash to clean your newborn.
Is it normal for my newborn baby to spit up?
Newborn babies often spit up after being fed. If you notice that your baby is gaining weight, don’t worry. However, if you notice that he or she is spitting up more often, or if something seems wrong, our pediatricians urge you to schedule an appointment in our Calhoun or Cartersville locations immediately.
Our Triage line is available for parents who need to speak with our team after hours. A nurse will return your call within 30 minutes.
When can I take my newborn baby outside?
Parents of newborn babies may take the baby outside at any point as long as the baby is dressed appropriately. It’s important to remember that newborn babies lose body heat much quicker than adults, so if it’s cold outside, bundle up your baby in warm clothes and bring extra blankets along for your outdoor excursion.
What if my child becomes ill or has a fever?
If your newborn develops a fever higher than 100.4°F, schedule an appointment at one of our Calhoun or Cartersville, GA offices. Our pediatricians also recommend scheduling an appointment if your newborn is acting oddly, refusing food, or is increasingly fussy.
If your child becomes ill after hours, please visit the nearest emergency room.
Contact AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun & Cartersville, GA
Our expert team at AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun and Cartersville, Georgia offers complete care for children from newborns to age 21.
Our faith-based practice offers experience and compassionate care to patients across North Georgia. Schedule an appointment in one of our Cartersville or Calhoun offices online or via telephone at 706-625-5900 to learn more about our pediatric care.
Please note that the information on this site is educational in nature and should not be used to diagnose or substitute an examination or assessment from your child’s pediatrician. Please schedule an appointment with AGC Pediatrics if you are worried about your child’s health.
