At Thrive Pediatrics, we know that new parents can feel overwhelmed with the amount of information there is about newborn care. We hope to provide some simple but impactful information about 3 key areas of caring for a newborn baby; eating, reading and sleeping.

Feed Schedules

Newborn babies need to feed on a consistent basis to ensure that their blood sugar stays stable. Routine feeding every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at nighttime allows your baby to receive adequate nutrition to grow and stay happy. Sometimes, little ones will not wake to feed at the scheduled time. A technique that helps is to change diapers prior to feeding. This wakes your little one and prepares them to feed. This schedule should continue until the baby is 10-12 pounds unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

Interacting With Your Child

It is never too early to start reading to your baby. Babies are calmed by hearing your voice. Reading children’s books such as Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter, the Velveteen Rabbit and so many more books help to stimulate their little developing brains early on. This is also a great time to bond as a family with older children together with the new baby.

Sleep

Infants sleep on their own schedule until around 4-6 months of age. They sleep about 18 hours per day usually in 1–2-hour segments. Safe sleep is so important to your little one. Sleeping ABC’s include sleeping Alone without blankets or stuffed animals, on their Back, and in a Crib or bassinet. A great way to remember safe sleep is back to sleep, tummy to play.

If you have any other questions about how to best care for your newborn baby please check out our other blog articles for newborn care and give us a call at 208-514-0203. We are Thrive Pediatrics, caring for Idaho’s future today!

Author: Bryana Hinck – Nurse Practioner at Thrive Pediatrics