Bright Futures Parent Handout: First Week Visit (3 to 5 Days)
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Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family.
Parental Well-Being
How You Are Feeling
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Call us for help if you feel sad, blue, or overwhelmed for more than a few days.
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Try to sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
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Take help from family and friends.
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Give your other children small, safe ways to help you with the baby.
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Spend special time alone with each child.
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Keep up family routines.
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If you are offered advice that you do not want or do not agree with, smile, say thanks, and change the subject.
Nutritional Adequacy
Feeding Your Baby
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Feed only breast milk or iron-fortified formula, no water, in the first 6 months.
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Feed when your baby is hungry.
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Puts hand to mouth
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Sucks or roots
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Fussing
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End feeding when you see your baby is full.
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Turns away
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Closes mouth
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Relaxes hands
If Breastfeeding
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Breastfeed 8-12 times per day.
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Make sure your baby has 6-8 wet diapers a day.
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Avoid foods you are allergic to.
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Wait until your baby is 4-6 weeks old before using a pacifier.
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A breastfeeding specialist can give you information and support on how to position your baby to make you more comfortable.
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WIC has nursing supplies for mothers who breastfeed.
If Formula Feeding
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Offer your baby 2 oz every 2-3 hours, more if still hungry.
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Hold your baby so you can look at each other while feeding
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Do not prop the bottle.
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Give your baby a pacifier when sleeping.
Newborn Care
Baby Care
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Use a rectal thermometer, not an ear thermometer.
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Check for fever, which is a rectal temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or higher.
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In babies 3 months and younger, fevers are serious. Call us if your baby has a temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or higher.
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Take a first aid and infant CPR class.
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Have a list of phone numbers for emergencies.
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Have everyone who touches the baby wash their hands first.
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Wash your hands often.
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Avoid crowds.
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Keep your baby out of the sun; use sunscreen only if there is no shade.
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Know that babies get many rashes from 4–8 weeks of age. Call us if you are worried.
Newborn Transition
Getting Used to Your Baby
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Comfort your baby.
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Start routines for bathing, feeding, sleeping, and playing daily.
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Help wake your baby for feedings by
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Patting
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Changing diaper
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Undressing
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Put your baby to sleep on his or her back.
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In a crib, in your room, not in your bed.
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In a crib that meets current safety standards, with no drop-side rail and slats no more than 23/8 inches apart.
Find more information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
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If your crib has a drop-side rail, keep it up and locked at all times. Contact the crib company to see if there is a device to keep the drop-side rail from falling down.
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Keep soft objects and loose bedding such as comforters, pillows, bumper pads, and toys out of the crib.
Safety
Safety
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The car safety seat should be rear-facing in the back seat in all vehicles.
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Your baby should never be in a seat with a passenger air bag.
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Keep your car and home smoke free.
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Keep your baby safe from hot water and hot drinks.
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Do not drink hot liquids while holding your baby.
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Make sure your water heater is set at lower than 120°F.
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Test your baby's bathwater with your wrist.
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Always wear a seat belt and never drink and drive.
What to Expect at Your Baby's 1 Month Visit
We will talk about
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Any concerns you have about your baby
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Feeding your baby and watching him or her grow
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How your baby is doing with your whole family
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Your health and recovery
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Your plans to go back to school or work
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Caring for and protecting your baby
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Safety at home and in the car
© 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics