Parenthood is full of unexpected joys, challenges, responsibilities, and QUESTIONS! Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked.
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Mon, Tue & Fri 8.00AM - 6PM | Wed & Thu 10 AM - 6PMSat & Sun - CLOSED(904) 222-6364After Hrs Ext 14125 Race Track Rd unit 104St Johns, FL 32259
THE NEWBORN EXPERTS
Congratulations on
YOUR NEW BLESSING
Congratulations ! we are so excited for you! Choosing a pediatrician can be a difficult decision. We are here to help . We are happy to schedule you with a meet and greet with our provider. Our provider will get you ready by providing some educational tips on breastfeeding , baby safety and what to expect with a newborn. This will make your life easier and less stressful especially if you are a new mother.
- How often should I feed my baby?
- What should I feed my baby?
- What about taking my baby’s temperature?
- Your child safety Tips
- Baby Crying
- Your baby’s office visit schedule
- Jaundice
How often should I feed my baby?
Babies need to eat every 2-3 hours in the first few weeks of life. Often, babies will wake up to eat on their own, but you should wake them if it has been more than 4 hours since they last ate. Nursing should take about 10-15 minutes per breast and bottle-fed babies eat between ½-1 ounce at first, increasing to 2-3 ounces by about 2 weeks. They will continue to eat more as they get older.
What should I feed my baby?
- Breastfeeding. It helps protect your baby against illnesses in the first few months of life, decreases development of chronic diseases like asthma, and is the perfect nutrition for your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask the lactation services at your hospital for help, even if you have already left the hospital.
- Formula. If you are going to use formula, follow the mixing instructions on the package exactly or use a premixed formula. Never dilute or concentrate the formula without instructions from your doctor.
- Vitamins. For all babies, whether breast or bottle fed, 400 IU of vitamin D per day is recommended. This is available over the counter.
What about taking my baby’s temperature?
- You do not need to take your baby’s temperature on a regular basis. You should take your baby’s temperature if he or she feels especially hot or cold, is extremely fussy, is much more sleepy than usual, or is not eating regularly.
- You should call your clinic or take your baby to the doctor if the baby’s temperature is higher than 100.4°F (38°C) or lower than 96.0°F (36°C). Babies under 2 months are at higher risk for serious infections, and fevers can often be the only sign.
- Rectal temperatures are the most accurate. Use a regular digital thermometer with a little Vaseline on the end, and gently insert it in the anus about ½ inch.
Your child safety Tips
- Your baby should always ride in a car seat, even on the bus or in a cab. The car seat should face backwards and be in the middle of the back seat, never the front seat. The straps should be tight enough that you should only be able to get 2 fingers underneath. Blankets go outside the straps, not under.
- If anyone wants to touch your baby, ask them to wash their hands first. Babies catch illnesses very easily so everyone needs to be careful to protect them. Babies shouldn’t be around people you know are sick. Avoiding crowds during the first few weeks will help protect your baby from infection.
Baby Crying
- Babies may cry often; it is the only way they can tell you they need something. If your baby is safe, not hot or cold, not soiled, not hungry, and can be consoled by holding, be reassured. If your baby is unable to be consoled, call your pediatrician. You cannot spoil a baby with attention, however, letting him or her cry while you catch a break is not harmful either!
- Your baby may cry for no reason and you may, as a parent, become frustrated. This happens to everyone.
- NEVER SHAKE a baby. It can cause brain damage that can never be fixed. Don’t be afraid to set your crying baby down in a safe place and walk away if you are frustrated.
- To soothe your baby, try swaddling (learn how from the nurses at the hospital), rocking, walking, bouncing, shushing, singing, or a pacifier.
Your baby’s office visit schedule
- The usual pediatrician visit schedule for babies is a newborn check within one week of age, followed by visits at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 2½ years, 3 years, then yearly.
- The purpose of the visits is to answer your questions, check on growth and development, and do a screening physical. Many of the visits include immunizations.
Jaundice
- What is it? Jaundice is a yellow tint to the skin and eyes. It is not present at birth, but may develop after a few days of life and is usually worse around day 4 or 5 of life. It can be due to a combination of dehydration after birth, genetics, mom’s milk production, and feeding ability. The yellow tint comes from a pigment called bilirubin, which is made by the liver.
- What are the signs of jaundice? A yellow tint to skin and eyes, increased sleepiness, and poor feeding are all signs of jaundice. When levels are extremely high, babies can suffer seizures and brain damage.
- How do we check for it? Your pediatrician will examine your baby for jaundice at the hospital, and your baby will get a blood or skin test before going home. However, the levels are highest during days 4-5 of life, so it is important to see your doctor in the first few days after leaving the hospital. Your baby may need more blood tests to check the level.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
You’ve probably heard that “breast is best” for baby. But what exactly does that mean? Here are the many advantages of breastfeeding for both Mom and baby.
Join Our Tuka Family
Thank you for choosing Tuka Pediatrics as your child’s Medical Home! We are pleased to have the opportunity to build a relationship with you, your child, and family.