Expert Newborn Care in Columbus
Welcome your little one with confidence. Our specialized newborn care services ensure your baby gets the best start in life with comprehensive medical care, guidance, and support for new parents.
Comprehensive Newborn Care Services
At Olentangy Pediatrics, we provide expert care for your newborn during those critical first weeks and months. Our experienced pediatricians offer comprehensive services to ensure your baby's healthy development.
Hospital Follow-Up Visits
Complete newborn examinations for all infants within 48-72 hours after hospital discharge to ensure healthy transition home.
Weight Check Appointments
Regular weight monitoring to track your baby's growth and feeding progress during critical early weeks.
Feeding Support & Guidance
Expert breastfeeding support and bottlefeeding counseling to help establish healthy feeding patterns.
Early Health Assessments
Comprehensive physical examinations to monitor your baby's overall health and development.
Jaundice Monitoring
Careful monitoring and management of newborn jaundice to ensure safe bilirubin levels.
Sleep & Routine Guidance
Practical advice on safe sleep practices and establishing healthy newborn routines.
Essential Newborn Safety Guidelines
Keep your newborn safe with these evidence-based safety recommendations from our pediatric experts in Columbus, Ohio.
Safe Sleep Practices
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Use a firm sleep surface with tight-fitting sheet
- Keep crib bare - no blankets, pillows, or toys
- Room-share without bed-sharing
- Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth
Car Seat Safety
- Ensure proper installation of car seats
- Rear-facing until 2 years or 30 pounds
- Snug & Properly Adjusted Harness
- Know when to take out infant inserts
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for height and weight limits
Feeding Safety
- Always supervise feeding times
- Support baby's head during feeding
- Burp baby frequently during feeds
- Never prop bottles for feeding
- Properly clean bottles after each use
Handling & Care
- Support baby's head and neck
- Never shake a baby - ever
- Limit visitors during first few weeks
- Keep baby away from sick individuals
- Always have guests wash hands before holding baby
What to Expect During Newborn Visits
Our newborn care visits are designed to provide comprehensive health monitoring and support during your baby's crucial first weeks. Here's what we focus on during each visit:
- Head-to-toe physical assessment
- Heart and lung examination
- Abdominal and hip examination
- Skin assessment including jaundice check
- Umbilical cord healing evaluation
- Reflexes and muscle tone assessment
Newborn Visit Schedule
We follow evidence-based guidelines to ensure your newborn receives optimal care during the most critical period of development. Here's our recommended visit schedule:
First Visit
Hospital follow-up within 48-72 hours of discharge
- Weight check
- Feeding assessment
- Jaundice screening
- Physical exam
Weight Check
Growth monitoring and feeding support
- Weight gain review
- Feeding progress
- Sleep patterns
- Parent questions
One Month Visit
Comprehensive health assessment
- Growth measurements
- Development check
- Immunizations
- Safety discussion
Two Month Visit
Continued monitoring and preventive care
- Ongoing feeding support
- Developmental milestones
- Immunizations
- Age-appropriate guidance
Early Development & Feeding Guidance
What to expect in your baby's first weeks and expert feeding guidance from our Columbus pediatric team.
Key Developmental Milestones
First 2 Weeks
Sleeps 16-20 hours daily, feeds every 2-3 hours, responds to sounds, focuses on faces 8-12 inches away, shows rooting and sucking reflexes.
2-4 Weeks
Begins tracking objects, may smile reflexively, lifts head briefly, shows more alert periods, recognizes parent's voice.
1-2 Months
First social smile, follows objects with eyes, holds head up briefly, makes cooing sounds, shows increased alertness.
Essential Feeding Tips
Breastfeeding
- • Feed 8-12 times daily
- • Watch for hunger cues
- • Listen for swallows
- • Stay well hydrated
Formula Feeding
- • Start with 1-3 oz every 2-3 hours
- • Use iron-fortified formula
- • Never prop bottles
- • Discard bottle after 1 hour
Common Newborn Concerns We Address
New parents often have questions and concerns about their baby's health and development. We're here to provide expert guidance and peace of mind.
Jaundice Management
Monitoring and managing newborn jaundice with regular bilirubin level checks and treatment recommendations when needed.
Feeding Challenges
Expert guidance on breastfeeding difficulties, formula feeding questions, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
Sleep Patterns
Education on normal newborn sleep cycles, safe sleep practices, and establishing healthy sleep routines.
Growth Concerns
Monitoring weight gain, growth patterns, and addressing concerns about feeding adequacy and development.
When to Worry
Clear guidelines on normal newborn behaviors versus concerning symptoms that require medical attention.
Parent Support
Emotional support and practical guidance for new parents navigating the challenges of newborn care.
When to Call Your Columbus Pediatrician
Know when to seek immediate medical attention for your newborn and when routine concerns can wait for your next visit.
Call 911 or Go to ER Immediately
- Difficulty breathing or turning blue
- Unresponsive or extremely lethargic
- Rectal temp ≥100.4°F in a baby under 1 month old
- Severe vomiting or signs of dehydration
- Seizures or unusual jerking movements
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Signs of severe illness or distress
Call During Office Hours
- Fever (rectal temp ≥100.4°F) in a baby 1-3 months old.
- Concerns about weight gain
- Concern for thrush in baby's mouth
- Changes in sleep patterns or behavior
- Diaper rash concerns
- Umbilical cord concerns or delayed healing
- Concerns about bowel movements
- Any symptoms lasting longer than you expect
📞 Call us at (614) 442-5557 during office hours for non-emergency concerns
Normal Newborn Behaviors (Don't Worry!)
Preparing for Your Newborn Visit
Help us provide the best care for your newborn by following these preparation tips:
Before the Visit
- Bring your hospital discharge papers
- List any questions or concerns
- Pack extra diapers and clothes
- Bring feeding supplies if bottle feeding
- Note feeding and sleep patterns
During the Visit
- Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork
- Be prepared to undress your baby
- Ask about normal newborn behaviors
- Discuss feeding and sleep concerns
- Take notes on care instructions
After the Visit
- Schedule follow-up appointments
- Follow any specific care instructions
- Monitor for concerning symptoms
- Call with questions between visits
- Keep growth chart updated
Important Information About Our Newborn Care
Hospital-Based Services: Please note that certain newborn procedures are completed at the hospital nursery, including newborn screening tests, hearing screens, vitamin K administration, and CCHD screening. We focus on comprehensive follow-up care after hospital discharge.
Specialized Consultations: While we provide excellent support and guidance during regular visits, we don't offer intensive sleep consultation services. Our comprehensive well-child visits include thorough discussion of feeding, sleep, and routine concerns.
Emergency Care: For urgent concerns outside office hours, we have on-call physician support. For true emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Ready to Schedule Your Newborn's First Visit?
Our experienced pediatricians are here to support you and your baby during this special time. Contact us today to schedule your newborn's care.
