Bringing a newborn into your home is a time of joy and change. Your routine will have to adapt to your baby’s habits, including your sleeping schedule. First-time parents can be overwhelmed by the thought of pediatric care and vaccines for their new baby. If you recently welcomed your first child, keep this guide in mind to help you navigate infant care.

What to Know When Caring for Your New Baby

Vaccines

A host of vaccines are administered over your newborn’s first few months of life to keep them healthy. Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage and kidney cancer. Your baby will receive this vaccine at birth, with additional booster shots applied over time. At 2 months, infants will receive another series of shots, including a rotavirus vaccine to prevent severe diarrhea, and polio vaccinations.

By 6 months, your child will reach the end of their boosters for rotavirus and illnesses such as tetanus. Their vaccination schedule will subside until about 12 months when they receive protection against infectious diseases like chickenpox, measles, and mumps.

Nutrition

Breast milk is the best natural food for newborns. It’s the perfect food for their developing digestive system and contains all the nutrients they need. Breast milk is also full of antibodies to boost their immune system. Pediatricians suggest first-time mothers breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months or longer.

While it’s not feasible for all new mothers to breastfeed, your baby will flourish, whether they’re breast- or formula-fed. Commercial formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and bottle feeding offers more freedom and flexibility for parents. Fewer feedings are required since babies digest formula slower than breast milk, but it’s essential to follow the directions on the label. Pediatricians suggest that it’s best to wait until the first six months to feed your baby solid food to ensure they receive all the breast milk’s benefits. 

Checkups

Babies will have a host of checkups within their first year. Schedule checkups for the first, second, fourth, sixth, and ninth months. During these visits, your pediatrician will update immunizations, perform physical exams, and weigh them to ensure they’re gaining the proper amount of weight.

For the best in children’s medicine, talk to the professionals at Tinkelman Pediatrics in Brockport, NY. Providing care for patients from birth to age 21, you can trust these pediatric doctors to care for your newborn throughout their childhood. From administering vaccines to providing preventative care tips, these pediatricians will help you navigate infant care. Visit their website to browse their services or call (585) 637-0060.