Newborn Care

Newborn Care In Houston, TX 

Your baby is finally here! However, if you’re a first-time parent you may have a ton of questions about caring for your newborn. We know that dressing, changing, and even handling your little newborn may make you feel more than a little nervous, but trust us when we say, “You got this!” From providing your child with wellness checkups to offering parents recommendations and support, the pediatric team at David M Cotlar, MD Pediatrics is here to help your family the moment you bring your newborn home.

Information about Newborn Care

Newborn care is an area of pediatrics that focuses on ensuring that babies under three months old are getting the nutrition they need and developing properly. If you have a newborn, or are expecting in the coming months, take a moment to learn more about what is required when caring for a newborn. Good newborn care includes scheduling regular checkups with a pediatrician during those first few months of the child’s life.

Caring for Newborns

When you bring your newborn home, it is a very exciting yet also nerve-wracking time. The child is so tiny and delicate, almost like a Faberge egg. If it is your first baby, you will likely be nervous about everything from the baby's handling to the baby's feeding. Caring for a newborn properly is crucial because their small bodies are in the beginning stages of development. Part of proper newborn care is scheduling and maintaining regular appointments with a pediatrician.

Handling 

We know how tiny your newborn is but there are some basic ways to handle and support them safely. Make sure to:

  • Always wash your hands before holding or handling your baby
  • Always provide ample support for their head and neck
  • Always be gentle with your newborn
  • Never shake your baby, even to wake them

Bathing

You will sponge bathe your newborn until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals (if your baby has been circumcised you will want to wait for the area to heal completely, as well). Once you can start bathing your baby, you will only need to bathe them about 2-3 times a week (any more than that, and you risk drying out their skin). Use mild, fragrance-free shampoos and soaps designed for babies, as well as soft washcloths and towels. Once your child upgrades from sponge baths you’ll want to purchase an infant tub.

Breastfeeding

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you must start immediately in the hospital after your baby is born. Don’t worry, if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. That’s completely natural. Of course, if you do find yourself dealing with breastfeeding problems, we can recommend a lactation consultant to help make breastfeeding easier.

It’s important to create a feeding schedule. Newborns will need to nurse about every three hours. Create a comfortable space for you and the baby when you nurse, as it may take quite a bit of time in the very beginning and you both want to be comfortable. Most women need to maintain anywhere from 2,200-2,400 calories a day to keep up with the demands of nursing.

Know When to See Your Pediatrician

Along with wellness checkups, our pediatric team is here for you and your baby whenever you need it. There will certainly come a time when your newborn may be sick or displaying symptoms that have you nervous. Give us a call anytime your newborn,

  • Is under 2 months and has a fever over 100.4 degrees F
  • Won’t eat or refuses to eat
  • Has watery stools
  • Is unresponsive or extremely sleepy
  • Won’t stop crying and can’t be consoled
  • Has a red rash all over the body
  • Has any signs of infection around the umbilical cord (redness; swelling)
  • Has a swollen stomach

If you have questions about caring for the new addition to your family, or you’re currently looking for a pediatrician before your child arrives, call David M Cotlar, MD Pediatrics at our Houston, TX office at (713) 776-3045 to schedule your little one’s first visit with us.

Hours of Operation

Note – Calls Will Go to Voicemail From 1–2 PM During Lunch

Map and Location

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location

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