Life with your two-week-old revolves around feeding, sleeping, and crying. Your newborn infant should tightly grasp with his or her hands and respond to light, noise and movement.
Nutrition
Feedings
Amounts - Babies need approximately 50 calories per pound of body weight each day. Both breast milk and formula contain 20 calories per ounce and all the nutrients required. Therefore, your baby should consume approximately two to two and one half ounces per pound of body weight in each 24-hour period. There is no need to supplement with other food or excess water. Call our office if your child seems to lack interest in breast or bottle feeding, or if your baby's appetite suddenly decreases.
Preparation - Prepare commercial formula by the manufacturer's directions. If you are concerned about the safety of your water, you can boil it for no more than one minute and allow to cool. Boiling the water only kills the germs, so if using well water it is also important to test for nitrates before giving it to infants younger than 12 months. It is not necessary to sterilize bottles; washing in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher is adequate.
Frequency - As a general rule, babies should be fed on demand. Full-term infants require feeding approximately every two to four hours, both day and night. Some breastfed babies may want to nurse slightly more frequently. Please see the breast feeding links for more information.
Vitamins
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing exclusively breastfed babies and those who are formula fed with Vitamin D 400 IU once a day. One such supplement, D-vi-Sol, can be purchased over the counter. Check the package of the product you buy for dosing instructions.
Development
At this age your baby should:
- Readily locate the nipple for feeding
- Have a strong sucking reflex
- Respond to light, noise and movement
- Tightly grasp with his hands
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations given to your child at today's visit, unless your infant did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Common Issues And Concerns
Medications
At this age you should not give your infant any type of medication without advice from your physician
Sleep
- The AAP recommends that all newborns be placed on their back to sleep in their own crib or bassinet. Use a firm mattress. No pillows, heavy blankets (only thin swaddle), or stuffed animals should be in the crib. Don't use positioners or bumpers.
- Hold and cuddle your baby if crying; gentle motion seems to induce comfort and sleep. You can't spoil them at this age.
- Do not feed your baby if he cries and less than two hours have passed since the previous feeding. Babies who feed frequently during the day become hungry at frequent intervals during the night.
- Make middle-of-the-night feedings brief and boring. Don't turn on the lights, talk to, or rock your baby. Feed him quickly and quietly.
Fever
At this age a fever may be a warning sign of a serious infection. A temperature over 100.4 degrees taken rectally is a fever. Contact your physician IMMEDIATELY if this occurs. Do not give Tylenol or any other medication before your child is evaluated by a physician.
Rashes
Babies have sensitive skin and frequently develop transient rashes.
Hiccups, Sneezing, Spitting-up and Passing Gas
These are all normal occurrences in the newborn period.
Stooling
Bowel movements are highly variable in frequency, amount, color and consistency. Each baby is different.
Crying
Crying is normal for newborn babies and may occur for many different reasons. Remember, it is not usually something you are doing wrong, so DON'T BLAME YOURSELF.
Eye Drainage
Blocked tear ducts are a common occurrence and may cause a thin watery eye discharge. If the whites of the eye appear red, contact your physician.
Car Seat
Your child needs to be in a Department of Transportation approved car seat that is rear facing until two years of age. Use the car seat in the back seat of the car and make sure the seat is securely belted into the car. Use built in seat anchors if available in your car.
Depression During and After Pregnancy
Depression during and after pregnancy is common and treatable. Having a baby is challenging and every woman deserves support. We will screen for caregiver depression at your child's well-child visits through the first year. Talk to your child's healthcare provider or your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms. Please review this information from the CDC regarding postpartum depression. There are also resources available. Contact the Postpartum Support International Warmline and a trained helpline volunteer will call/text you back to identify a local coordinator and resources in your area:
- Call 1-800-944-4773, #1 en Espanol or #2 English
- Text 503-894-9453
Next Well Child Visit
Your child's next well child visit should be when he/she is two months of age.
