Every baby has a unique personality. You will gradually learn your baby's temperament and will know your child better than anyone else. Babies this age need to be held and cuddled — it helps them feel safe. You cannot spoil babies during the first four to six months by holding them too much. They also enjoy seeing parents' faces and hearing their voices, so talk and sing to your baby.
Never shake your baby. Shaking or spanking a baby can cause serious injury or death. Every parent feels overwhelmed and anxious at some time. If you are a new mother and are feeling depressed, anxious, tired or are crying a lot, you may have post-partum blues or depression. Please check with your doctor for help. You can reach the UCSF Post-Partum Clinic at (415) 353-2566.
As a parent, you have new responsibilities. Although you may not want to think about it, you should have a will so that in the unlikely event of your death, you will determine who will care for your child, rather than the state.
Babies cry one to four hours a day. Sometimes they cry because they are hungry, tired, have a dirty diaper or just want to be held. Sometimes babies cry for no known reason. Many babies cry more in the early evening — just when you're trying to have dinner. Babies cry the most between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks.
For more information on crying, please see Soothing Your Crying Infant.
If your baby is exclusively breast-fed, give him or her 400 units of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D comes as a liquid and is available over the counter without a prescription. Whatever brand you buy, check the directions to make sure your baby is receiving 400 units of vitamin D each day.
Babies catch germs very easily because their immune systems are immature. Help your baby stay healthy by taking a few precautions:
If your baby is lethargic, feeding poorly, crying unusually, has had several episodes of vomiting or coughing, or has an underarm temperature of more than 99.5° F, call your baby's doctor immediately.
Your baby's next checkup should be at 1 month of age.
Baby skin is very sensitive and can show many changes. Your baby's skin may peel and look very dry. You don't need to put lotion or cream on it, but you can if you like. Your baby may develop red bumps on the face — this is often baby acne, which does not need any treatment.
Use the car seat for every ride. The car seat should be installed in the back seat, if possible, facing backward. Rear-facing car seats cannot be used in a position where the airbags might inflate. Make sure your infant is appropriately strapped in and the car seat is properly buckled into the car. Remember to always buckle yourself up too.
Growing Child, a monthly newsletter available in print or online
Your Child's Health, by Barton Schmitt
BabyCenter.com
Used by permission of Jane E. Anderson, M.D.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
Pediatrics at Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Suite 320
(Suite 260 for Acute Care)
San Francisco, CA 94143-1660
Phone: (415) 885-7478
Fax: (415) 885-3790