Your pediatrician in Granger, IN, can help with newborn care
When you have a newborn, there are a lot of things to think about, and one of them is getting your newborn on a sleep schedule. Having a sleep schedule can help settle your baby and make life easier for you too.
Dr. Charisse Johnson at Premier Pediatrics in Granger, IN, offers a wide range of medical services for children, including newborn care.
Newborn babies need a lot of sleep, which can be helpful to you. It’s best if you try to sleep when your baby sleeps, so you stay rested, refreshed, and able to care for your baby.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to get your baby on a sleep schedule:
- Your newborn will sleep for a few hours at a time, allowing your baby to feed every 2 to 3 hours
- Try to start your day at the same time, including getting your newborn up when you are
- Have your newborn enjoy sunlight, to make your newborn feel comfortable and warm
- Put your newborn down for a nap right away when showing the first signs of being tired
- Try to keep a consistent bedtime, so your newborn gets used to a routine
- Start a sleeping ritual, like singing to your baby, rocking, or reading to your baby
- When your baby wakes during the night, keep the lights low, feed your baby, and put your baby down for the night again, without any wake time
Getting your newborn to sleep is just one area where you may need help and guidance. These are a few more tips about newborn care:
Feeding–your newborn will want to feed every 2 to 3 hours if breastfeeding, or every 3 to 4 hours if your newborn is on formula.
Bathing–use only mild soap and lukewarm water. Be sure to clean the folds of skin, where bacteria and debris can accumulate. Don’t bathe your newborn too often, because it can dry out your baby’s skin.
To find out more about how to get your newborn on a sleep schedule and other newborn care topics, call Dr. Charisse Johnson at Premier Pediatrics in Granger, IN. You can reach her in the office by calling (574) 855-4575, so call now.