For new parents
Caring for Your Newborn
Those first weeks are full of questions. Here’s our guidance on feeding, safe sleep, visits, and when to reach out — everything you need as you welcome your baby home.
Welcome Baby
Feeding
Support as you begin your feeding journey
Caring for a newborn can be challenging, especially when it comes to feeding. Every baby and family is unique, and we are here to provide personalized support as you begin your feeding journey.
Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, we will work with you to develop a feeding plan that meets your baby’s needs. Our goal is to help you feel confident feeding your baby and watching them grow and thrive with peace of mind!
First visits
We’ll see your baby within days of coming home
We will see your newborn 1–2 days after discharge from the hospital. Please let the hospital nursery staff know that your baby will be a patient at Giombetti & Brady Pediatrics so that they can send us your baby’s discharge information.
At the first visit we will review your family history and learn about the pregnancy. We will also monitor your baby’s weight gain, feeding progress, and jaundice, while providing guidance and support along the way.
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Safe sleep
Safe sleep for infants
To help reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
- Always place your baby on their back for every sleep.
- Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
- Keep the sleep area free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, and other soft items.
- Avoid sleeping with your baby on a couch, armchair, or adult bed.
- Do not allow your infant to routinely sleep in swings, car seats, bouncers, or other sitting devices.
Keeping your baby safe
Everyday safety at home and on the go
Car safety
Most serious injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents can be prevented by proper use of a car safety seat.
- Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat for every ride, including the ride home from the hospital.
- Never place an infant in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag.
- Read and follow both the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Make sure the car seat is installed correctly and used properly every time your child rides in the car.
If you would like assistance, certified car seat inspections are often available through local police departments, fire departments, or community safety programs.
Preventing falls
Even newborns can move unexpectedly and may roll or push against surfaces.
- Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed, sofa, or other elevated surfaces.
- Keep one hand on your baby during diaper changes.
- Place your infant in a safe location, such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard whenever you cannot hold or directly supervise them.
The first year
Routine visits during the first year
Well child visits in the first year are a necessary opportunity for a pediatrician to examine infants and monitor their developmental milestones. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine well child monitoring at the following ages:
- 1–3 days after hospital discharge
- 2 weeks
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
Immunizations
Protecting your baby from serious illness
At Giombetti & Brady, we follow the recommended childhood immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect infants and children from serious diseases. Please refer to our Immunization Policy for additional information regarding our vaccine recommendations and office requirements.
When to call us
Contact us right away for newborn concerns such as:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Poor feeding
- Fewer wet diapers
- Breathing difficulties
- Excessive sleepiness
- Increasing jaundice
We are honored to care for your growing family and are available to answer questions throughout your baby’s first year of life.