Bright Futures Parent Handout: First Week Visit (3 to 5 Days)

Growth & Development

Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family.

Call us for help if you feel sad, blue, or overwhelmed for more than a few days.
Try to sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
Take help from family and friends.
Give your other children small, safe ways to help you with the baby.
Spend special time alone with each child.
Keep up family routines.
If you are offered advice that you do not want or do not agree with, smile, say thanks, and change the subject.

Feed only breast milk or iron-fortified formula, no water, in the first 6 months.
Feed when your baby is hungry.
- Puts hand to mouth
- Sucks or roots
- Fussing
End feeding when you see your baby is full.
- Turns away
- Closes mouth
- Relaxes hands
- Breastfeed 8-12 times per day.
- Make sure your baby has 6-8 wet diapers a day.
- Avoid foods you are allergic to.
- Wait until your baby is 4-6 weeks old before using a pacifier.
- A breastfeeding specialist can give you information and support on how to position your baby to make you more comfortable.
- WIC has nursing supplies for mothers who breastfeed.
- Offer your baby 2 oz every 2-3 hours, more if still hungry.
- Hold your baby so you can look at each other while feeding
- Do not prop the bottle.
- Give your baby a pacifier when sleeping.

Use a rectal thermometer, not an ear thermometer.
Check for fever, which is a rectal temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or higher.
In babies 3 months and younger, fevers are serious. Call us if your baby has a temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or higher.
Take a first aid and infant CPR class.
Have a list of phone numbers for emergencies.
Have everyone who touches the baby wash their hands first.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds.
Keep your baby out of the sun; use sunscreen only if there is no shade.
Know that babies get many rashes from 4–8 weeks of age. Call us if you are worried.