As a new parent, protecting your baby from ill health is going to be one of your top priorities. From taking preventive measures at home to attending newborn well-baby exams in Cumming, there are many reliable ways to safeguard your child’s well-being. Unfortunately, newborns are particularly vulnerable to various illnesses, making it important for parents to be well-informed about prevention strategies.
Best Ways to Prevent Newborn Health Problems
With some simple steps you can keep your baby safe and healthy. Here are our top tips for preventing common newborn illnesses.
Get Vital Immunizations
Vaccinations are essential for preventing severe illnesses in young children. Some early vaccines your child needs include hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Your pediatrician can advise you on the immunization schedule during well-child visits.
Follow Good Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene practices include regular hand washing with soap and water, cleaning and sterilizing baby bottles and pacifiers – and ensuring that anyone holding the baby has clean hands. Following these hygiene practices helps protect your child from gastroenteritis and respiratory infections.
Attend Well-Baby Exams
A newborn’s pediatrician offers many important services to ensure your baby’s long-term health. These services include regular well-child exams to check the baby’s growth, development and health. During these visits your pediatrician can identify any concerning symptoms that would require further investigation, including developmental delays.
Ensure Your Baby Gets Adequate Sleep
Newborns usually need 14–17 hours of sleep per day. Establishing a consistent routine helps make sure that your newborn will get the rest they need. Following a consistent sleep routine helps prevent immune system issues, colds and other common illnesses.
Avoid Exposure to People With Illnesses
Avoiding interaction with sick people is vital for a child with a developing immune system. By taking this precautionary step you can help prevent colds, influenza and other contagious diseases.
Change Diapers Regularly
Changing your newborn’s diaper is crucial for comfort and to prevent the spread of germs. In the early stages you may need to change diapers every two to three hours. This process (including cleaning with warm water and using diaper cream) helps avoid diaper rash.
Look Out for Signs of Illness
Parents of a newborn may feel anxiety about changes to their baby’s behavior, appetite, crying and sleep patterns. Paying attention to these changes helps you learn about your baby, and also enables early intervention for ear infections, skin conditions, stomach complaints and other health issues.
Don’t Delay Seeking Medical Attention
When you’re concerned about your baby’s health it’s good practice to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible. Pediatrician sick care visits ensure prompt treatment for infections and common illnesses, preventing complications and promoting faster recovery.
Our Cumming Pediatricians Help Prevent Common Newborn Illnesses
At Vickery Pediatrics, our expert team provides comprehensive sick care and well-child visits for newborns. We help families from locations including Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For assistance, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.
