Our pediatricians want to make navigating the new world of parenthood easier.

Bringing your baby home from the hospital is an exciting milestone, but for first-time parents, it can also feel overwhelming. At Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, Dr. Errol Douglas and his team understand the challenges of this new journey and are here to provide the answers you need. Here’s a helpful guide to caring for your newborn.

Holding and Handling

If you’ve been around newborns before, you likely know how to hold them properly. However, if this is your first time, keep these important tips in mind:

• Always wash your hands before handling your newborn to prevent the spread of germs.
• Always support your baby’s head and neck.
• Be gentle when handling your newborn. Never shake your baby, even to wake them up.
• Spend time bonding with your baby throughout the day to strengthen your emotional connection.

Feeding

Your baby will signal when they are hungry, often by crying or making sucking motions. Most newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours. If breastfeeding, allow ample feeding time—typically around 15 minutes per session. Initially, feeding may take even longer, so setting aside up to 30 minutes per session can be beneficial. Contact our pediatricians if your baby doesn’t seem interested in feeding or isn’t eating as expected. We also offer breastfeeding support and advice at our Rockville, MD, office.

Sleeping

Newborns generally need at least 16 hours of sleep each day. However, due to frequent feedings, they usually sleep only a couple of hours at a time. Newborns won’t sleep through the night initially, as they require regular feedings. Most babies begin sleeping for longer stretches—6-8 hours—by around three months of age, though some may take longer to develop this pattern.

Bathing

Sponge baths are the best way to keep them clean until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off and the area fully heals (usually within four weeks). Once the area has healed, follow these bathing guidelines:

• Use warm (never hot) water.
• Choose a soft washcloth and mild, infant-formulated soap and shampoo.
• Bathe your baby 2-3 times weekly to avoid drying out their skin.

Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, provides compassionate pediatric care in a warm, welcoming environment. We understand that questions about newborn care will arise, and when they do, we are here to help. Call us at (301) 517-9710 to schedule an appointment.