Put Your Infant on a Healthy Path Starting at Birth
Beaumont Pediatric Center in Beaumont, TX, is home to a team of highly skilled and licensed pediatric medical doctors who are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child from birth onwards. Our doctors emphasize the importance of newborn care for your infant's health and well-being.
Importance of Newborn Care
What is Newborn Care? Every newborn deserves high-quality immediate healthcare at birth. This includes:
- Cord Clamping, Cleaning, and Drying
- Breathing Assessment
- Skin-to-Skin Contact
- Breastfeeding Support
- Nurturing and Thermal Care
- Infection Prevention
- Identification and Immediate Response to Health Issues
- Referrals as Needed
How to Prepare for Your New Baby
- Childbirth Classes: Educate yourself on the birthing process.
- Prepare a Birth Plan: Outline your preferences for labor and delivery.
- Pack a Hospital Bag: Include essentials for you and your baby.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eat well, exercise, and relax.
- Birth Announcements and Baby Showers
- Prepare the Baby's Room: Gather all essentials.
- Appoint a Quality Pediatric Doctor: Choose a pediatrician for your newborn.
- Prepare Siblings and Pets: Ease the transition for everyone at home.
- Baby Proof Your Home: Ensure a safe environment.
- Parenting Support: Seek advice and support as needed.
- Pamper Yourself: Take time for self-care.
Expectations of the First Doctor's Appointment
Your first newborn visit should be 3–5 days after birth. During this visit, we will:
- Check Head Shape and Soft Spots
- Examine Hips, Legs, and Reflexes
- Inspect Umbilical Cord and Circumcision Healing
- Measure Head, Height, and Weight
- Discuss Necessary Immunizations
How Long is Breastfeeding Recommended?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months.
When to Reach Out for Breastfeeding Support?
- If your infant does not feed
- If you're unsure if your infant is eating enough
- To increase breast milk supply
Creating a Bedtime Routine
- Keep the same bedtime routine every night
- Ensure your baby sleeps in the same place
- Maintain a quiet and warm environment
Bathing Your Baby
- Give a warm sponge bath until the cord and circumcision heal
- Use an infant tub with a few inches of warm water afterward
- Gently wash from head to toes with baby shampoo and soap
- Use a warm, soft cloth and towel for drying
- Apply baby lotion if needed
Baby's Enrichment Activities
Activities should be age-appropriate. Tummy time is one of the first activities for a baby. Supervise closely for a few minutes daily and gradually increase the duration.
First Newborn Vision and Hearing Screening
This is usually done during the first newborn pediatric visit.
When to See Your Pediatrician or Go to the ER?
- No urine for 24 hours once home
- No bowel movement for 48 hours once home
- Rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher or less than 97.5°F
- Rapid breathing or bluish color to the skin
- Pulling in of respirations
- Increased sleepiness or fussiness
- Decreased appetite
- Allergic reaction, suspected poisoning, injuries, seizures, or head trauma
- Vomiting blood, dehydration, or refusal to take fluids
Seeking a Pediatric Newborn Doctor? Call Us Today
If you reside in Beaumont, TX, and are seeking a quality pediatric medical doctor for your child, please call Beaumont Pediatric Center today. Contact us at (409) 899-1433 to schedule your child's newborn or well-child visit.