Your Two-Week Old Baby
Feeding
- Breast-feed your baby on demand, at least every 2-3 hours (8-12
feedings per day). The length of a feeding varies, so feed until
your baby seems content. Avoid using a pacifier or giving a bottle
in the first few weeks of life. Continue prenatal vitamins while
breast-feeding.
- If you do not breast-feed, use an iron-fortified infant formula.
Feed your baby 1-3 ounces every 3-4 hours. Occasionally, your
baby may need a bottle sooner. As your baby grows, his formula
intake will increase too.
- Review the formula preparation instructions carefully. Do not
heat formula in the microwave.
- Most babies do not need supplemental water.
- Do not give honey or corn syrup in the first year of life.
- Exclusively breast-fed babies need a vitamin supplement like
Tri-Vi-Sol™.
Elimination
- Breast-fed babies have small, frequent, yellow stools with a
pasty, watery, or curd-like consistency.
- Bottle-fed babies have 2-4 soft, brown, green or yellow stools
each day.
- A healthy, well-hydrated baby should have 6-8 wet diapers each
day.
Sleep
- Always place your baby on his back to sleep on a firm, flat
mattress.
- The average baby sleeps 16.5 hours per day in the first month
of life. It is normal for your baby to sleep more on some days
and less on other days.
- Your baby is too young to cry himself to sleep. Your baby cries
to communicate that he needs something from you.
Development (Birth to 4 weeks)
- Raises head slightly when lying on tummy – allow for “tummy
time” everyday
- Blinks in reaction to bright light
- Focuses on your face when held closely
- Responds to sound by startling or quieting
Safety
- Always use a carseat made for an infant and place it rear-facing
in the back seat.
- Always make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe place. The
crib slats should be less than 2- 3/8 in. apart.
- Take an infant CPR class.
- Set your hot water heater to120°F to prevent burns and
never drink hot liquids while holding your baby.
- Never leave your baby unattended on the bed, sofa, changing
table, or in the bathtub.
Other Things to Keep in Mind:
- Know the signs of illness – temperature over 100.4 rectal,
vomiting (not just spit-up), diarrhea, or failure to eat several
feedings in a row.
- Watch your pets carefully around your baby.
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Protect from sun exposure with clothing, blankets, or an umbrella.
- Show your baby affection – you can not spoil a newborn.
- Shaking or spanking your baby may cause serious injury or death.
- Do not smoke around your baby – it may lead to respiratory
problems.
- Hold, talk and sing to your baby.
Tests/Immunizations for Today:
- Hearing test – if your baby was not tested in the hospital,
your baby will be tested in the office at either 2 or 4 weeks
of age. No special preparation is needed.
At the 4 week check-up:
- Your baby will have a physical examination.
- Your questions and concerns will be answered.
- Your baby will receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Your baby will have a hearing test, if not done previously.
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