Newborn Care

A new baby is so exciting! However, it’s normal for first-time parents to have several questions about caring for a newborn — dressing, changing, and even how to handle your little newborn. Fortunately, Jackyln Chan, MD, FAAP, and the compassionate team at Fairway Children’s Medical Group in West Covina, California, offer expert newborn care. From providing your child with wellness checkups to offering recommendations and support, the pediatric team is here to help your family when you bring your newborn home. To book an appointment, call the practice today or use the convenient online scheduling tool. 

What is newborn care? 

Newborn care includes initial developmental, physical exams, and wellness checkups to understand your baby’s health and diagnose any underlying conditions.

Care also includes sick visits, day-to-day tools, vaccinations, and referrals to outside specialists. 

When do I need newborn care?

It’s important to reach out immediately if your newborn displays symptoms, including:

• Fever over 100.4 degrees F (if under two months old) 
• Refusing to eat
• Watery stools
• Extreme sleepiness 
• Consistent crying and need for consoling 
• Red rash all over their body
• Signs of infection around the umbilical cord (redness and swelling)
• Swollen stomach

The pediatric team offers immediate and accessible communication methods. 

What newborn care services do you offer?

The practice offers several services for you and your family, including:
 

Newborn handling 

Your provider equips you with supportive, soothing tips when caring for your newborn, including:

• Washing your hands before holding or handling your baby
• Consistently supporting their head and neck
• Being gentle with your newborn
• Never shaking your baby, even to wake them

The Fairway Children's Medical Group team can help you learn how to:

• Dress and swaddle your baby
• Change their diaper
• Clean their nasal passages
• Take their temperature
• Clean their umbilical cord
• Care for a healing circumcision

The team is always available for urgent and nonurgent concerns. 

Newborn bathing

Your provider recommends sponge bathing your newborn until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals. For circumcision, wait for the area to heal completely. 

Then, you can start bathing your baby 2-3 times a week in an infant tub. Avoid more frequency as it can dry out their skin. Use soft washcloths, towels, and mild, fragrance-free shampoos and soaps.

Breastfeeding

Your provider recommends breastfeeding immediately after your baby is born. It’s normal for the process to take time before feeling natural. If you struggle with breastfeeding, the team can recommend a lactation consultant to help make the process easier. 

Your provider helps you create a feeding schedule, planning for your newborn to nurse approximately every three hours in a comfortable setting for both of you. 

To keep up with the demands of nursing, you should consume a healthy diet of around 2,200-2,400 calories daily.

If you’re looking for a pediatrician before your child arrives or have questions about caring for your newborn, call Fairway Children's Medical Group today or schedule an appointment online. Telemedicine is available as well.