Feed breast milk (or iron-fortified formula) with early signs of hunger such as sucking on fist.  May need to wake to feed at night.

 

      Hold baby while feeding. Do not prop bottle or put to bed with bottle.

 

      Do not heat bottle in microwave. Instead, place bottle in bowl of warm water and test on wrist.

 

      Expect 6-8 wet diapers per day and daily bowel movements.

 

      Delay solid foods, including cereal, until baby is ready, around 6 months.

 

      No honey until after first birthday.

 

 

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      Properly secure car seat (rear facing) in back seat.

 

      Put baby to sleep on back.

 

      Check that crib slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.  Hint: slats are too wide if a can of soda can be passed between the slats.

 

      Do not place soft pillows, comforters or stuffed animals in crib.

 

      Never hold a hot drink while holding a baby.

 

      Do not leave baby alone with young sibling or pet.

 

      Never leave a child alone in a car — not even for a minute.

 

      Test water temperature with wrist to make sure it is not too hot before bathing baby.  Water heater temperature should not be higher than 120 degrees.

 

      Do not leave baby unattended in bath.

 

      Avoid direct sun exposure.  Keep covered even on cloudy days.

 

      Do not leave baby alone on high places such as a changing table or couch.

 

 

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      Look at patterns and faces 8-12 inches away

 

      Grasp

 

      Listen to voices

 

      Smile and coo

 

      Lift head when on stomach

 

      Have some head control in upright position

 

      Look at hands

 

      Follow moving objects

 

      Respond to familiar voices

 

Please remember: All children grow and develop differently.

Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your infant.

 

 

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      Music — listening to soft music and being sung to

 

      Being held, cuddled and rocked

 

      Voices — being talked and read to

 

      Mobiles

 

      Bright patterns or black and white geometric patterns

 

      Mirrors

 

      Change of scenery both inside and outside

 

 

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      A well-child exam, including immunizations, is due by 6-8 weeks of age.

 

      Contact health care provider at signs of illness, including fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea, poor feeding.

     Learn how to take your baby’s temperature correctly — rectally or under the arm.  Temperature should not be taken by mouth until 4 years of age.

     Know CPR and first aid.  

      Respond consistently to baby’s cry. Remember you can’t spoil your baby.

 

      Do not give any medications or herbal remedies without a health care provider’s advice.

 

      Wash adult’s and baby’s hands after diapering and before feeding.

 

      Clean baby’s toys with soap and water.

 

 

 

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       Set time aside for older siblings, to decrease any resentment toward baby.  Include them in baby's care.

 

    Take some time for yourself and spend some one-on-one time with your partner.

 

     Know and watch for signs of postpartum depression (“baby blues”).  Know when to ask for help.

 

     Mom: Schedule postpartum check-up at 6 weeks after delivery.  Discuss options for contraception.

 

    Start planning for high-quality child care if needed (www.qualistar.org).

 

    Look for child care that supports breastfeeding.

 

    Talk with employer about having a private place to use breast pump.

 

 

 

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      NEVER shake a baby or young child.

 

      Asking for help when you are stressed is a sign of strength. Know when and where to call for support.

 

      All family members should use seatbelts.

 

      Keep a smoke free environment; never smoke in the home or car or allow anyone else to.

 

      Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; change batteries yearly.

 

 

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