When is our first visit to Pacific Ocean Pediatrics? How often are his/her checkups?

Your first visit to our office should be within 1-2 days following your discharge from the hospital. The purpose of that visit is to check the baby’s weight and to make sure that the baby is not significantly jaundiced, as well as to answer any questions you may have. Following that, your baby’s next well child exam will be when he or she is 2 weeks old, to make sure he or she has regained his birthweight.

Is it okay for family members to visit?

Absolutely! We encourage it! It is important to realize however, that the newborn immune system is very fragile, and every baby that develops a fever in the first month of life is admitted to the hospital and placed on IV antibiotics. We tell you this so that you might have a healthy sense of caution with all visitors, including family. Everyone should wash their hands before touching the baby and sick family members should not come to visit the baby in the first few months of life.

Is it okay to go outside with our newborn? Are there any places we should avoid?

Yes, it’s okay to go outside with your newborn. The places you should avoid are places in which there is a lot of direct sunlight, places in which the baby might get overheated, and places where there are closed confined spaces with circulating air (i.e. an airplane).

When is it okay to travel with a newborn?

We recommend no air travel in the first 2 months of life, as there is too big of a risk of the infant developing an infection from the close quarters with strangers.

What are important things to have on hand at home?

A rear facing car seat, a thermometer, a breast pump, a bulb suction, a swaddling blanket, burp clothes, a pacifier, and of course plenty of diapers!

How can I make the transition of a new baby as easy as possible for my older child?

Older siblings can sometimes have a hard time welcoming in a new baby into the family. It is normal for an older sibling to experience some developmental regression and become transiently more clingy to mom and dad. When making your first introduction to the baby, it is recommended that the baby be in his or her crib and not in the arms of either parent. Similarly, when guests and visitors come to the hospital and the home, they should first go to the older sibling before making a fuss over the baby. Any gifts brought for the baby should be presented to the older child as a “tool to help them be a big brother/sister.” There are also several good books available that you can get to ease your child’s transition to becoming a big sibling. Of note, your older child should get in the habit of washing hands EVERY time before touching the baby and should never be left alone with the baby.

What recommendations do you have for pet dogs and cats?

Pet dogs and cats are fine, but they should never be left alone with the baby. It may be a good idea to bring your pet some of the new baby’s blankets from the hospital to get him or her used to the baby’s scent.

What position should the car seat be in on the journey home?

Always place your baby in a car seat, rear-facing, in the back seat. For more information on car seats or to find a car seat inspection o ce in your area, go to the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration website: www.nhtsa.gov.

What other safety issues I should be concerned about?

• Never jiggle or shake your baby. Consider taking an infant CPR class.
• Set water heater to 120 F. Don’t drink hot liquids or cook over a stove while holding baby.
• Ensure smoke and CO detectors are working.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the car, in the bath or on elevated surfaces.