Newborn Care in Fairfax, VA
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 Julie Tomberlin, MD is here to help your family the moment you bring your newborn home.
Importance of Newborn Care
What is newborn care?
Every newborn has the right to have high-quality immediate healthcare at birth.
- Cord clamping/cleaning/drying/breathing assessment/skin-skin contact/breastfeeding
- Nurturing
- Thermal care
- Breastfeeding support
- Infection-free
- Identification of health issues
- Immediate response to health issues
- Referrals as needed
How do you prepare for your new baby?
- Childbirth class
- Prepare birth plan
- Pack hospital bag
- Eat healthy/Exercise/Relax
- Birth announcements
- Baby showers
- Prepare baby's room/Essentials
- Appoint a quality pediatric doctor
- Prepare siblings/pets
- Babyproof home
- Parenting support
- Pamper yourself
Expectations of first doctor's appointment
Your first newborn visit is 3–5 days after birth. We check the head shape and soft spots. We check hips, legs, and reflexes. We examine the umbilical cord and circumcision for proper healing. We take measurements of head and height and obtain a weight. At each visit, we discuss necessary immunizations.
How long is breastfeeding?
- Six months
When to reach out for breastfeeding support?
- If your infant does not feed
- Unsure if your infant is eating enough
- To increase breast milk
Creating a bedtime routine
- Keep the same bedtime routine
- Sleep in the same place
- Ensure quiet
- Ensure warmth
Bathing
- Warm sponge bath until cord and circumcision heal, then use the infant tub with a few inches of warm water
- Gently wash head to toes
- Baby shampoo/soap
- Warm /soft cloth and towel
- Support head/neck
- Baby lotion
Baby's enrichment activities
A baby's activities grow with the baby and are age-related. Tummy time is one of your baby's first activities. Use strict supervision for a few minutes daily and gradually increase tummy time.
First newborn vision/hearing screening?
- First newborn pediatric visit
When to see your pediatrician or go to the ER?
- 24 hours of no urine once home
- 48 hours of no bowel movement once home
- Rectal temp, 100.4 or less than 97.5
- Rapid breathing
- Bluish color to skin
- Pulling in of respirations
- Increased sleepy/fussy
- Decreased appetite
- Allergic reaction/suspected poisoning/injuries/seizures/head trauma
- Vomiting blood/dehydrated/refuses fluids
Call Us Today
Please contact our office 703-865-KIDS (5437) as soon as possible to schedule this first visit.