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Newborn – 2 week Visit

To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, your baby should sleep in his own bed on his back (Back to Sleep). You should avoid objects in the crib that could suffocate your baby (heavy blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, etc.).
It’s very important that your baby’s car seat is installed correctly into your car. Babies should ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until they are 1-year-old AND 20 pounds. You should use the car seat EVERY time your baby rides in the car.
Your baby has very sensitive skin and is prone to easy burns from hot liquids. Your water heater should be set at 120 F or lower. You should never carry hot liquids and your baby at the same time. Remember never to heat a bottle directly in the microwave because it heats the formula unevenly and the bottle can get too hot.
Your baby can wiggle and kick with the best of them. Babies can easily fall off any elevated surface, so don’t leave your baby alone on any elevated surface (changing table, bed, etc.).
It is very important to always be with your baby when he is around water. A child can drown in any amount of water.

At this point breast milk or formula is all your baby needs. He gets enough water and other nutrients from either of these sources.
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for infants. Babies should feed on demand – meaning they should be fed when they are hungry. They should eat every 2-3 hours and should feed that frequently during the night, too. You should nurse your baby at least 5-10 minutes on each side.
Formula is a safe and nutritious alternative to breast feeding. Your baby should have a bottle of about 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours. Your baby can feed on demand, but should never be forced to finish a bottle. You should always hold your baby’s bottle while feeding him and never “prop” the bottle.

Your baby loves to hear your voice, so it’s important to talk, sing and tell your newborn all about the world around him. You can start to learn about his way of communicating by learning the different types of cries and nonverbal communication he uses. It’s never too early to start reading books to your baby. Chunky, colorful board books work best.
Your baby’s social development is dependent on you and the environment you provide. These first few months are a wonderful time to get to know your baby. Don’t worry, you can’t spoil your baby!
Even at this young age, your baby will start to want to play and explore his environment. Your baby can see objects up to about 12 inches from his face. You can help him develop his skills by showing him how to track objects. Tummy time a few times a day will help him strengthen his neck and back muscles.

Next Visit – at 2 months of age