Understanding your newborn baby and their needs can often prove to be a difficult task. However, with help from your child’s pediatrician, 
you can be sure to learn your baby’s cues to confidently care for their needs. Find out more about the basics of newborn care with Dr. Ayotunde Faweya at Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX.
Is my baby eating enough?
There is no set standard for how much newborn babies should eat. Breastfed babies may eat more frequently than formula fed babies, but most babies, whether breast or formula fed, eat every 2-3 hours. If your baby falls asleep during a feed, keeps their mouth closed or shakes their head when introducing the breast or a bottle (refusing the food), or pulls away from the breast or bottle, they are probably full. Your baby should also produce about five wet diapers a day. Steady weight gain is also a good indication that your baby is getting enough to eat.
How long should my baby sleep?
The answer to this question varies greatly from baby to baby. Most newborns sleep upwards of 17 hours a day. This sleep time is broken up into short, 2-3 hour stretches with feedings in between. Babies have different, much shorter sleep cycles than adults, making their sleep during the first few weeks of life unpredictable. Though this sleep-deprived stage may seem like it lasts forever, it usually ends around 6-8 weeks when babies begin differentiating night from day and sleeping longer stretches.
How often should I change my baby?
Most babies require a new diaper every 2-3 hours. Though it is not necessary to wake a baby to change a wet diaper, the acidity of a bowel movement can irritate their skin. If you notice your newborn has a dirty diaper, you should change it as soon as possible once the baby is awake.
How often should my baby see their pediatrician?
Babies see their pediatrician at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 years, and once a year after age 4. These routine visits help give you the chance to address any questions or concerns you have and allows your child’s doctor to ensure their growth and development is on track and that they are up to date on their vaccination schedule.
Newborn Care in Conroe, TX
For more information on newborn care, postpartum anxiety and depression, or breastfeeding, please contact Dr. Faweya at Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX. Call (936) 270-8655 to schedule your child’s appointment today!