Caring for Your Newborn
Baby’s First Visit
Call the pediatrician's office to schedule your appointment while you are in the hospital or shortly after discharge.
Please bring hospital discharge summary of the baby's nursery course. It is a good habit to make a list of your concerns before your visit. To avoid distractions, try not to bring your other children with you for this first visit.
Symptoms that Require Medical or Emergency Attention for Infants Younger than 2 Months of Age
- Baby is lethargic (very sleepy or difficult to arouse), has poor color, or appears limp and unresponsive.
- Baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4* F (38* C) or higher.
- Baby refuses to eat 3 or 4 times in a row.
- Baby’s hands or feet have a yellow “jaundiced” color, or if the baby develops “pumpkin-colored” skin.
- Baby seems extremely irritable or has a high-pitched cry that lasts longer than 1 hour.
- Baby has a labored, wheezing, or “grunting” breathing pattern that lasts longer than one-half hour.
- Baby has an illness associated with a rash that looks like bleeding under the skin.
If you feel very nervous about your baby's illness or general condition, please call your pediatrician's office.
For medical emergencies, call 911.
