Newborns will receive their first bath in the nursery. After many parents bring their baby home, they often want to bathe the baby every day. Babies have not established bacterial flora on their skin in the early days, so there is no need for a bath more frequently than every two to three days. If…

There are a multitude of infant formulas on the shelves, each one with unique characteristics. There are differences between types of formulas and brands of formulas, so let us discuss these differences before you make any changes. Sterilize nipples and bottles after each use for only the first month after birth. If you use well…

Due to the numerous benefits for both mother and infant, we strongly encourage breastfeeding if it is at all possible. Please be patient with your baby in the first 3-4 days of life. Most newborns are not particularly hungry during this time. Infants are well nourished at birth from the placenta, so they have some…

The glans penis will look very raw with a moist scab over it for the first several days after circumcision. Put Neosporin ointment or Vaseline over the glans every time you change the diaper until the area is healed. This will protect the glans from sticking to the diaper, while also keeping stool and urine…

Infants cry for many reasons. Many times, they are simply “expressing themselves,” or “stretching their lungs.” Your instincts to comfort your infant are appropriate and should be followed. Do not, however, expect that you will always find a solution for a particular crying episode. Develop a routine that you can use each time for your…

Older siblings are very excited to have a new baby in the house, so let them be an important part of this event. Siblings should be allowed to hold the baby, and help feed and bathe the baby under careful supervision. The important things to remember are to include and to supervise the siblings.

A mild amount of nasal congestion is normal during the first month. Try to keep the baby’s head elevated to encourage drainage. This does not indicate a cold or early allergies in an otherwise happy infant who is feeding well. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs or sides during the…

It is best to avoid taking a newborn out of the house excessively during the first month. If it is necessary to go out, dress the infant appropriately and avoid exposure to any know infectious persons. If you take your child to church, keep the baby with you rather than placing it in the nursery…

Newborns can have a variety of benign rashes during the first days of life. The skin has been in fluids for nine months, so a transition time getting used to the air is to be expected. Most infants will exhibit some degree of “newborn acne” during the first two to three weeks. This will look…

The umbilical cord remnant has no nerve endings, so the only feeling your infant has is the skin around the umbilicus. Use a Q-tip to put rubbing alcohol all the way around the base of the cord. This will require moving the cord to the side to get the underside done. After the alcohol is…