Newborn

Congratulations!  At Desert Pediatrics, we understand that the first pediatric visit is a special moment.  We try to make the experience comfortable, informative, and memorable. We have a brand-new dedicated nursery room so that you and your newborn can experience all the comforts of home at your visit.  We can’t wait to share it with you!

How to Prepare for Your Baby

Desert Pediatrics- Newborn

How to Prepare for Your Baby

  •  Thermometer- rectal/axillary
  • Hand sanitizer and hand washing soap
  •  Nasal aspirator and normal saline drops
  •  Nail filer
  •  Steamer- for bottles, pacifiers, breast pump supplies
  •  Bottles with air vent
  • Breastfeeding * please see breastfeeding section
  •  Swaddle blanket
  •  Fragrance free ointment or cream
  •  Diaper barrier cream
  •  Diapers and fragrance free wipes
  • Fitted onesies
  • Safe sleep crib, bassinet or playpen
  • Carseat

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until 6 months of age.  From 6-12 months, breastfeeding should continue along with the gradual introduction of solid foods.

There is evidence to support that breastfeeding protects against variety of conditions such as:

  • allergies and asthma
  • childhood overweight and obesity
  • diarrhea
  • respiratory tract infection
  • necrotizing enterocolitis
  • otitis media
  • urinary tract infection
  • late-onset sepsis in preterm infants
  • type 1 and type 2 diabetes
  • lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkins disease

If you choose to breastfeed, check with lactation or your doctor if the medications you are currently taking will pass on to your baby.  If you have a medical condition, check with your OB to see if breastfeeding is an option.

If you choose to breastfeed, make certain your baby is not using a routine pacifier until after 3-4 weeks of life.

Breastfeeding may not be an option for everyone.  Formula provides the proper nutrients for a growing child that are similar to those found in breastmilk.  It is important to use commercially-prepared formula and to mix the formula only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Never dilute infant formula – this can result in severe medical complications.  Although formula is very similar to breastmilk, it does not have antibodies to protect against infection, and may not be as easily digested.

Your baby should eat at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period.  It is important to look for cues from your baby that he/she is hungry.  Your baby should be fed on demand but the goal is to feed at least every 2-3 hours.

Supplies to consider if breastfeeding:

Medications and Lactation

Tucson’s Lactation Services

  • ACOG (American College of Obstetric and Gynecology) recommends for the expecting mother to receive Tdap during her third trimester to protect your baby from pertussis (whooping cough).  The expectant mother should be vaccinated with Tdap for each pregnancy.
  • Tdap for all adult caregivers (the father, grandparents, adult household members).  The Tdap is good for 10 years! 
  • COVID Vaccine for household members  (>12 years old) including the expectant and breastfeeding mother.
  • Annual influenza vaccines for all household members older than 6 months old.  
  • Carseat should be middle seat and rear facing
  • Carseat Handout
  • Safe sleep- your child should sleep on his or her back in a crib, playpen or bassinet.  Babies should only be swaddled up to 2 months of age
  • SIDS Handout
  • Don’t carry your child while holding a hot beverage
  • Set your water heater to <120ºF

At Desert Pediatrics, we do not perform circumcisions.  The list provided include providers and details about the costs for circumcision in Tucson.

Circumcision List

Newborn pediatrics