What Is Included in Newborn Care?
If you’re adding to your family this year or if you’ve recently had a baby, you’ve got plenty of company. Every year in the United States, more than 3.5 million babies are born, and every one of those babies needs specialized medical care to help them develop and thrive.
As a top-rated pediatrics practice in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, Nevada Pediatric Specialists provides comprehensive newborn care aimed at supporting both infants and their parents. If you have a newborn in your family or if you’re planning for a new arrival, here’s what you can expect from our team of newborn care specialists.
Comprehensive newborn care
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns visit their pediatrician six times before their first birthday. There’s a good reason why experts advise so many visits: The first year of life is a period of very rapid development, and regular visits are important for making sure your child is healthy and growing as they need to.
During these visits, our team:
- Weighs and measures your baby, including head circumference
- Listens to their heart and lungs
- Evaluates their response to stimuli, like noises
- Checks their reflexes and joints
- Gently palpates their belly
- Examines your baby’s skin
At some visits, we also provide important immunizations to help your baby ward off serious and even life-threatening illnesses like measles and mumps.
As your child grows, our team will ask about your child’s moods and activities, such as rolling over, sleeping through the night, and crawling. By comparing your child’s development with established milestones, we can make sure your child’s growth is on track.
And, of course, we also evaluate any symptoms your baby may have, providing treatments for common and not-so-common issues, such as chronic diaper rash, excessive crying, or eczema.
Guidance for parents
Newborn visits provide plenty of support for parents, too. During your baby’s visit, our team talks to you about any concerns you have and offers you plenty of guidance regarding issues like:
- How to hold your baby
- Feeding routines
- Nursing
- Changing diapers (and deciding between cloth and disposables)
- Bathing your baby
- Soothing a crying baby
- Babyproofing, especially once your infant starts crawling
- Choosing a car seat
- Sibling issues
Our team also provides complete information about recommended vaccinations and other health services and treatments aimed at helping your baby stay healthy and happy.
Be sure to ask questions and voice any concerns you have during these visits. And of course, you can always call the office if you forget to ask something during your appointment.
Give your newborn a healthy start in life
Newborn care provides you and your infant with the individualized care and attention necessary to navigate the first crucial months of life. If you have questions about caring for your newest family member even before the big delivery date arrives, scheduling a prenatal meet and greet visit can help.
To learn more about newborn care or to schedule a visit with our team, call 702-457-5437 or book an appointment online with Nevada Pediatric Specialists today.