Congratulations
on the birth of your baby. The following guidelines will help you
care for your baby at home.
Bathing your Baby
- Sponge bathe until umbilical cord and circumcision are well healed.
- Gather supplies before bathing. Use mild unscented soap, such as Ivory or Dove.
- Use warm water.
- Wash in a head to toe sequence.
- Avoid chilling. Avoid interruptions.
- Do not place anything inside ears or nose. Clean outer edges with tip of wet washcloth.
- Do not use baby powder. You may use baby lotion.
Cord Care
- Clean cord as instructed by hospital staff.
- Clean 3-4 times a day.
- Keep diaper folded below cord until healed.
- Cord should fall off in 7-14 days.
Circumcision Care
- You will be instructed on proper care of your baby's circumcision
prior to discharge from the hospital. Circumcision should heal in approximately 7
days.
Safety
- Use a bulb syringe to remove mucus from
nose or mouth. Clean between uses with warm water.
- Take temperature under the arm.
- Obtain a car seat to use when you leave
the hospital. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Position baby on back when asleep.
Signs to Report
- Fever of 100.5 or above. Report actual
temperature to doctor and how it was taken. (Example: 100.5 -
under the arm). Do not add or take away a degree when reporting
temperature to doctor.
- Vomiting (not just spitting up) or refusing
to eat 2 times in a row.
- Loose, runny stool (which is different from
normal breastfeeding stool).
- Listless, irritable. Cries more than usual.
- Any unusual rash
- Bleeding, swelling or smelly drainage from
circumcision or cord.
- One of the most important relationships of your
life is starting with the birth of your new baby. If you have questions,
you may call our nursery or your physician.
Bon Secours St. Francis Nursery: 843-402-1035
Roper Hospital Nursery: 843-724-2661
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