Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Infant Care

Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby and Parent

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Happy National Breastfeeding month!  Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies for the first six months of their lives. It provides all the nutrients and water your baby needs in the right amounts, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of your child’s life. After that, you can begin supplementing with solids while continuing to nurse until your child is one or beyond (if desired by both you and your baby). In addition to nutrition, breastfeeding has several other benefits for both the baby and the parent. Read on for more information.

Breastfeeding Benefits for the Immune System
Breast milk strengthens your baby’s immune system by providing antibodies to fight infection. Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is particularly rich in immune-boosting components, but protective antibodies remain present throughout breastfeeding. These antibodies, combined with the milk’s proteins, fats, and sugars, support your baby in fighting gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses, with benefits that often continue even after breastfeeding ends. Research has revealed that breastfed babies are less likely to get ear infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and some forms of meningitis, as well as lower their risk for leukemia and lymphoma. Breast milk also contains probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria, which can reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, obesity, and chronic conditions later in life.

Bonding and Development Benefits from Breastfeeding
The skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding helps nurture the emotional bond between you and your baby. It also helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and stress levels while providing comfort and reassurance. Studies show that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 64%, and reduces overall infant mortality by as much as 40%. Nursing also supports sleep, brain development, and emotional growth in infants.

Breastfeeding Benefits for the Parent
For nursing parents, breastfeeding offers many health benefits as well. It can lower the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, improve bone density, and help with getting better sleep. It may also aid postpartum recovery and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, breastfeeding can provide metabolic support to return to pre-pregnancy weight. 

Breastfeeding Advice and Frequency
It’s recommended to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth whenever possible. During the first year, babies typically nurse 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, depending on hunger cues. You can tell if your baby is getting enough milk when they produce at least six wet diapers per day once milk supply is established. It’s important to keep track of their weight, which your pediatrician can help you with. 

If you return to work or need to be away from your infant, pumping breast milk can help maintain your supply and ensure your baby continues to get breast milk. Always follow the breast pump manufacturer’s instructions, keep the equipment clean, and store milk properly in the refrigerator or cooler if it isn’t used immediately. Massaging your breasts before pumping can help stimulate milk flow. For guidelines on proper milk storage, check out this guide. For tips on how to clean your pump parts, click here. 

As a reminder, make sure to schedule your newborn’s first check-up within 72 hours of hospital discharge. Your pediatrician can assess whether your baby is getting enough milk, address any feeding concerns, and provide additional breastfeeding guidance. To learn about our breastfeeding support and lactation services, please contact our office.



How to Give Your Baby a Bath

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Quick answer: For the first two weeks, give your newborn sponge baths until the umbilical cord area heals, to help prevent infection. Newborns rarely get dirty, so two to three baths a week is enough, since daily bathing can dry their sensitive skin. Once the cord heals, you can start tub baths in a small, non-slip baby tub.

Bathing your baby can be a great bonding experience, but for many new parents, it also brings a lot of questions. You might be wondering how often you should bathe your baby and how to do so safely. We provide some of the basics and essentials to know about giving your child baths. During the first two weeks of your newborn’s life, your baby should get sponge baths until their umbilical cord area heals completely. This helps prevent infection. As newborns rarely sweat or get dirty, you don’t need to bathe your baby every day. Doing so can dry out your baby’s skin, which is sensitive when they’re still so young. Two to three times per week is sufficient. For a sponge bath, gather all your supplies before you begin. Have a basin of warm water ready, but make sure it’s not hot. You’ll also want to use a soft washcloth, a mild baby soap if desired, and a clean towel. Lay your baby on a flat, safe surface like a changing pad, and keep them wrapped in a towel, uncovering only the areas you’re washing. Gently clean their face, neck, hands, and diaper area. Use a damp cloth to clean your baby and avoid scrubbing. After you’re done, you can pat them dry and dress them in fresh clothes. Once your baby’s umbilical cord area has healed, you can start giving tub baths. It’s best to use a small plastic baby tub that has a sloped, textured surface or a sling that keeps your baby from sliding. Always place the tub on a flat surface where you can maintain full attention. Babies should never be left unattended in a tub, not even for a moment. Use just a few inches of warm water and always check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in the tub. You don’t need to use soap every time, but when you do, opt for a mild, fragrance-free baby wash. Support your baby’s head and neck with one hand and use the other to gently bathe them. It’s recommended to start with the cleanest areas, like the face, and work your way down to the diaper area. Use a soft washcloth and avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Most babies only need a few minutes in the bath. When they’re finished, gently lift your baby out, supporting their head and neck, and wrap them in a soft towel immediately. Babies lose heat quickly, so it’s important to dry and dress them right away. Once your baby is several months old and has begun eating solids and is moving around more, you can bathe them more regularly. It’s still, however, important to use gentle, non-drying products and limit soap to avoid skin irritation. Bath time can be relaxing for babies, but there are some precautions to be aware of. Drowning can happen in a few seconds and even in one to two inches of water. That is why babies should always be supervised in a tub. It’s important to keep one hand on your baby at all times while bathing. As babies have thin skin, the temperature of the water is important. Water that is too hot (120 degrees Fahrenheit or more) can damage your baby’s skin. Make sure the tub is not too slippery. You can place a non-slip mat or towel inside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding the use of bath seats. While they can help a child to sit upright in an adult bathtub, they can tip over and put your baby in danger of drowning or injury. By following all of these tips, you can create a pleasant bathing experience for your child. If you have any questions or concerns about your infant’s health or development, please call our office.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my newborn?

Two to three times per week is sufficient. Newborns rarely sweat or get dirty, and bathing every day can dry out their sensitive skin.

When can my baby start taking tub baths?

Once the umbilical cord area has fully healed. Until then, give sponge baths to help prevent infection. For tub baths, use a small plastic baby tub with a sloped, textured surface or a sling so your baby does not slide.

How do I give a newborn a sponge bath?

Gather your supplies first, including a basin of warm but not hot water, a soft washcloth, mild baby soap if desired, and a clean towel. Lay your baby on a flat, safe surface, keep them wrapped, and gently clean the face, neck, hands, and diaper area without scrubbing.

Related reading: Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool During the Summer, contact our office. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways.

Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool During the Summer

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Quick answer: Babies cannot regulate temperature as well as adults, so summer needs extra care. Dress your baby in light-colored, lightweight, breathable clothing, add a wide-brimmed hat, and keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. Seek shade, limit exposure during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and watch for fussiness or sweating as signs of overheating.

Your baby’s first summer can feel exciting as you get to spend more time outdoors with them and enjoy the sunshine together. While summer is a fun season, it also comes with potential risks for babies. Infants are more sensitive to high temperatures and sun exposure because their bodies aren’t yet able to regulate temperature as effectively as adults. That’s why it’s important to take extra steps to keep your baby safe, cool, and comfortable throughout the warmer months. Dress Your Baby for Hot Weather and Protect Them from the Sun One of the best ways to keep your baby cool during the hot season is to dress them in light-colored, lightweight, and breathable clothing that covers most of their skin to also protect them from the sun. Be careful not to overdress them, however, as too much clothing can make your child feel overheated and uncomfortable. If your baby is sweating or acting fussy, that’s a sign that they’re feeling too hot. It’s also beneficial to give your baby a wide-brimmed hat to keep their head, face, and neck shaded. Remember that babies under 6 months of age should be away from direct sunlight, as they have delicate skin that is more sensitive to the sun. When you go outside with your child, find shade under a tree or use an umbrella or the stroller canopy. Limit their sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm) as this is when the UV rays are strongest. It’s also important to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside (if your baby is over the age of 6 months) and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen should be used even on cloudy days and should have an SPF of at least 30. We recommend giving your baby sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection as well.  Keep Your Baby Hydrated Babies are at greater risk of dehydration because their small bodies lose fluids more quickly. If your baby is under 6 months old, breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. It’s important to offer feeds more frequently during hot weather. If your baby is over 6 months old and is eating solids, you can offer 4-8 ounces of water per day in addition to breast milk or formula. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry lips, fussiness, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice any of these signs, please call our pediatrician. Protect Your Baby from Water Water safety is also important to consider when keeping your baby safe during the summer. Babies should never be near water without adult supervision, even if the water is shallow. Just 1-2 inches of water can be dangerous for infants. If you have an inflatable or portable pool, empty it after every use and turn it upside down. If you have a regular pool, make sure it is fenced properly or covered when not in use. Babies should not be introduced to pools until they’re at least 6 months of age.  Protect Your Baby from Insect Bites There are more insects around in the summer, especially in areas of vegetation. To prevent insect bites, you can use an insect repellent, but only if your baby is at least 2 months old. Make sure to use a repellent that comes in the form of a stick, lotion, or unpressurized spray. Pressurized spray can cause your infant to breathe in the repellent or get it in their eyes. Avoid applying the repellent on your baby’s hands in case your child puts their hands in their mouth. When you bring your baby back inside, wash the repellent off their skin with soap and water. If your baby is younger than 2 months, we recommend placing a net over their stroller or carrier to prevent bugs from getting inside. Keep Indoor Spaces Cool Babies should always be kept in a comfortable temperature at home. Overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The ideal temperature is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). We recommend using an air conditioner or fan to keep your home cool. Make sure your baby is also dressed in a single layer of light clothing only. If there are a lot of windows in your baby’s room, keep the curtains or blinds closed during the sun’s peak times, as the sunlight can increase the temperature of the room.  Lastly, keep a lookout for signs of heat illness and exhaustion, such as rapid breathing, flushed skin, restlessness, vomiting, or even becoming unusually quiet or unresponsive. If your baby shows any of these signs, move them to a cool area immediately and call our office. Remember, if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s health during the summer, our pediatrician is here to support you. 

Frequently asked questions

How should I dress my baby in hot weather?

Use light-colored, lightweight, breathable clothing that covers most of the skin, plus a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid overdressing, since too much clothing can make a baby overheated.

Can babies be in direct sunlight?

Babies under 6 months should be kept away from direct sunlight because their delicate skin is more sensitive. Find shade under a tree, umbrella, or stroller canopy, and limit exposure during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How can I tell if my baby is too hot?

If your baby is sweating or acting fussy, that is a sign they are feeling too hot.

Related reading: Spring Safety for Children, How to Give Your Baby a Bath, contact our office. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways.