Bright Futures Parent Handout: 1 Month Visit
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Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family
Parental Well-Being
How You are Feeling
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Taking care of yourself gives you the energy to care for your baby. Remember to go for your postpartum checkup.
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Call for help if you feel sad or blue, or very tired for more than a few days.
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Know that returning to work or school is hard for many parents.
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Find safe, loving child care for your baby. You can ask us for help.
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If you plan to go back to work or school, start thinking about how you can keep breastfeeding.
Infant Adjustment
Getting to Know Your Baby
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Have simple routines each day for bathing, feeding, sleeping, and playing.
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Put your baby to sleep on his back.
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In a crib, in your room, not in your bed.
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In a crib that meets current safety standards, with no drop-side rail and slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Find more information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
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If your crib has a drop-side rail, keep it up and locked at all times. Contact the crib company to see if there is a device to keep the drop-side rail from falling down.
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Keep soft objects and loose bedding such as comforters, pillows, bumper pads, and toys out of the crib.
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Give your baby a pacifier if he wants it.
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Hold and cuddle your baby often.
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Crying is normal and may increase when your baby is 6–8 weeks old.
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When your baby is crying, comfort him by talking, patting, stroking, and rocking.
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Never shake your baby.
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If you feel upset, put your baby in a safe place; call for help.
Safety
Safety
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Use a rear-facing car safety seat in all vehicles.
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Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
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Always wear your seat belt and never drive after using alcohol or drugs.
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Keep your car and home smoke-free.
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Keep hanging cords or strings away from and necklaces and bracelets off of your baby.
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Keep a hand on your baby when changing clothes or the diaper.
Family Adjustment
Your Baby and Family
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Plan with your partner, friends, and family to have time for yourself.
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Take time with your partner too.
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Let us know if you are having any problems and cannot make ends meet. There are resources in our community that can help you.
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Join a new parents group or call us for help to connect to others if you feel alone and lonely.
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Call for help if you are ever hit or hurt by someone and if you and your baby are not safe at home.
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Prepare for an emergency/illness.
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Keep a first-aid kit in your home.
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Learn infant CPR.
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Have a list of emergency phone numbers.
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Know how to take your baby's temperature rectally. Call us if it is 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.
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Wash your hands often to help your baby stay healthy.
Feeding Routines
Feeding Your Baby
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Feed your baby only breast milk or iron- fortified formula in the first 4–6 months.
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Pat, rock, undress, or change the diaper to wake your baby to feed.
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Feed your baby when you see signs of hunger.
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End feeding when you see signs your baby is full.
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Turning away
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Closing the mouth
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Relaxed arms and hands
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Breastfeed or bottle-feed 8–12 times per day.
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Burp your baby during natural feeding breaks.
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Having 5–8 wet diapers and 3–4 stools each day shows your baby is eating well.
If Breastfeeding
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Continue to take your prenatal vitamins.
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When breastfeeding is going well (usually at 4–6 weeks), you can offer your baby a bottle or pacifier.
If Formula Feeding
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Always prepare, heat, and store formula safely. If you need help, ask us.
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Feed your baby 2 oz every 2–3 hours. If your baby is still hungry, you can feed more.
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Hold your baby so you can look at each other.
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Do not prop the bottle.
What to Expect at Your Baby's 2 Month Visit
We will talk about
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Taking care of yourself and your family
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Sleep and crib safety
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Keeping your home safe for your baby
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Getting back to work or school and finding child care
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Feeding your baby
© 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics