New Baby, Big Questions: 5 Things Parents Need to Know

Having a baby can be such an amazing, incredible experience, but it can also be quite nerve-wracking!

Here are the top 5 things I would tell parents welcoming a newborn. 

1. Fever is an emergency.

In older kids, we can give Tylenol and see how they respond. In infants, especially those younger than four weeks old, fever 100.4F or higher is an emergency until proven otherwise. Have them evaluated by your pediatrician or the emergency room if after hours!

2.  Safe sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your baby.

Babies need to sleep on their back in their own crib with no extra items in the crib such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. This is especially true for those unexpected couch naps where baby could fall and be injured in addition to the usual dangers of unsafe sleep.

3. Vaccines are a great way to protect your child before they are capable of fully protecting themselves.

This is especially important now that we are entering into RSV season! Immunizations are by far one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness in your baby. If you have questions or concerns about them, please sit down with your pediatrician and talk things through!

4. You can’t believe everything you read on the internet!

Misinformation these days ranges from harmless to downright dangerous. Misguided advice including that co-sleeping is ok or that raw milk or honey is safe for babies are frequent flyers on social media.

The misinformation is usually dressed up in friendly, relatable packages that can be hard to ignore. If you are hearing something that is starkly different than what your pediatrician has recommended, I strongly urge you to talk with your doctor and ask any questions you may have.

5. It is ok to take care of yourself.

Being a parent is tough, and it is very easy to sacrifice your own well-being to take care of your wonderful new baby. This can quickly begin to wear on you! Take time to go outside, read a book, and yes, take a nap (even if there is laundry that needs doing!). If the exhaustion turns into sadness, worry, or feeling disconnected that lasts beyond the first couple of weeks, tell us! That goes for dads, too.

Don’t be afraid to use your parenting lifelines. Your pediatrician can be a great source of not just medical help but also support and encouragement as you start (or continue) your parenthood journey.