Common Newborn Care Health Concerns

Welcoming a newborn into your family is such an exciting time, but it can also be a little intimidating if you have questions about how to best care for your little one. Dr. Amy Dressel and Lauren Hopson, PNP, the experienced providers at Glacier Pediatrics in Juneau, AK, offer newborn care and can answer all your questions about health concerns and caring for your little one.

When To See a Doctor

Beginning at birth, babies should see a pediatric provider regularly and continue to do so throughout childhood. The doctor will monitor health and wellness to ensure kids are meeting certain growth and development milestones. Regular check-ups also make it possible for the pediatrician to identify potential health or development issues early on so they can be addressed before becoming more serious. 

Newborns will be seen by a doctor daily while still in the hospital following birth. Once discharged, the first appointment at the pediatrician’s office should be scheduled for a few days after leaving the hospital. A second check-up should occur two weeks later, followed by a third appointment when baby is two months old. Check-ups will then continue every two to three months until your little one is 18 months.

In addition to scheduling regular wellness check-ups, it is important to know when your newborn should see a doctor for a potential health concern, such as illness. Contact us if your newborn develops any of the following symptoms: 

• High fever over 100.4 degrees F 
• Redness or swelling around the umbilical cord 
• Inconsolable with persistent crying 
• Unresponsive or extremely sleepy
• Red rash all over the body 
• Swollen stomach
• Refusal to eat
• Watery stools 

The skilled and caring providers at our pediatric office in Juneau, AK, offer various newborn care services to meet all your baby’s needs. Our doctors provide guidance on everything from feeding to bathing to help you better care for your newborn.

How Often To Feed Newborns

Newborns need to eat frequently because they have such small stomachs and can only consume small amounts of breastmilk or formula at a time. For the first few weeks, babies need to feed every 1-3 hours, and then about every 2-4 hours after that. It is also important to burb your newborn frequently both during and after feeding. Burping helps reduce gassiness and discomfort, and can prevent your baby from spitting up.

Soothing an Upset Newborn

It can be worrisome when a newborn is upset or fussy, but there are steps you can take to soothe your little one. Some ways to soothe an upset baby include:

• Gently massage baby
• Play soothing sounds 
• Sing softly or read quietly  
• Swaddle baby

When it comes to caring for your newborn, we can help. Our knowledgeable providers can answer your questions about newborn care health concerns. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dressel or Lauren Hopson, PNP, to learn more about newborn care by calling Glacier Pediatrics in Juneau, AK, at (907) 586-1542.