The Newborn

A newborn baby can hear, smell, feel, taste, see, and will sleep most of the time. You will notice your baby being alert for only short periods of time. When your newborn does wake, your baby will fix its eyes on what it prefers most-you!

Your biggest and most challenging job will be feeding your baby. A newborn will want to be fed every two to five hours around the clock. If you are breast-feeding, don't be surprised if you have some difficulty at first; it may take some time to figure out what works best for you and your baby. But be aware that in these first few days to weeks, it is very important to make sure your child is feeding well. Do not hesitate to call your child's health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about breast-feeding or bottle-feeding your baby.

You will also need to be aware of some signs that may indicate that your child is sick. Some signs of illness in a newborn are:

• Irritability
  
  
• Jaundice (yellow-colored skin and eyes)
  
  
• Temperature of 100°F or higher rectally
  
  
• Refusal to feed or poor feeding
  
  
• Sleeping for an unusually long period of time
  
  
• A high-pitched or constant cry
  
  
• Diarrhea or vomiting
  
  
• Cold signs or symptoms
  
  

If your baby has any signs or symptoms of illness, call your child's health care provider immediately.

Don't forget to call and schedule your baby's Hospital Follow-up Appointment and Second Week Checkup, and your Sixth Week Postpartum Checkup. Write down any questions you may have. Your own health care provider, as well as your baby's, are tremendous resources and are only a phone call away!