INFANT CARE  
 FEEDINGS:
Breast Feeding:
  1. Feed every 3-4 hours, but do not wake to feed.

  2. Nurse no longer than 10 minutes on each breast initially for the first time, then add 1 minute per day to maximum 15 minutes per breast. Thirty minutes total time is sufficient.

  3. Burp midway through feeding unless this leads to more crying and gas.

  4. Bowel movements will be liquid, yellowish to green,”seedy or curdy” in appearance. May have a stool at each feeding or may go 3-4 days without having a bowel movement.

  5. Water can be offered between feedings, but not necessary. Usually about 2 oz. a day at most.

Formulas Feeding:
  1. Feed every 3-4 hours, but do not wake to feed.

  2. Formulas available in Ready-To-Use concentrated or powdered. Any of these are fine.

  3. Burp midway through feeding unless this leads to more crying and gas.

  4. Water can be offered between feedings, but not necessary. Usually about 2 oz. a day at most.

  5. Bowel movements will be semi-formed to formed. Expect 1-3 bowel movements a day or baby may go 3-4 days without having a bowel movement.

BATH:
  1. Bathe daily. Sponge bath until cord comes off and navel no longer oozing.

  2. Shampoo head 3 times a week or daily with baby shampoo.

  3. Cleanse eyelids with warm wet wash cloth.

UMBILICAL CORD:
  1. Cleanse base of cord with alcohol after bath and 3-4 other times daily.

  2. Slight amount of bleeding is normal from cord – continue to clean with alcohol until no more oozing.

  3. Keep cord open to air. Prop baby on side at times until cord comes off. Fold diaper below cord.

  4. Usually takes 10 days to 3 weeks for cord to come off.

GENTIAL AREA:
    Girls: Always clean genitalia from front to back. No powder in genital area. Vaginal bleeding / discharge is normal for newborn.

CIRCUMCISION:
    Care for circumcision as instructed by nurse, depending upon circumcision technique.

DIAPER AREA:
  1. Disposable or cloth diapers may be used.

  2. Avoid using rubber or plastic pants for the first few weeks.

  3. Avoid diaper powder.

MISCELLANEOUS:
  1. Normal room temperatures.

  2. Baby can go out when mother is able to go out.

  3. Use safety approved car seat when traveling in car.

  4. Call office to make an appointment for the doctor to see the baby for the first check-up.

  5. If you have any questions regarding infant care, leave your telephone number and a nurse will return your call. Please let the nurses help you in every way possible in caring for your infant.

PKU/NEWBORN SCREENING:
    Blood is drawn from the baby’s heel in the hospital and again at 2-4 weeks of age. This is sent for several tests including PKU and thyroid. It is run by the Texas State Lab in Austin, so it takes a couple of weeks to get the results. The purpose of this test is to diagnose diseases which, treated early in life, can result in much improved outcome. Fortunately, the diseases are very rare.

FEVERS DURING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS:
    Fevers in children under age 2 months can be caused by viral or bacterial infections which are dangerous. Call us if your infant under age 2 months has a fever of 100 ° F or above axillary or 101° F or above rectally.

    To help us determine the nature of your baby’s illness, observe your child for any unusual or abnormal behavior; poor appetite; vomiting; changes in bowel habits; changes in sleeping patterns; cold symptoms; and difficulty breathing.