The Newborn Chapter 6

Terms to Know Neonate

Intensive care nursery (ICN)

Neonatal intensive care units (NICU)

Brazelton scale

Pediatrician

Jaundice

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Reflexes

Rooting reflex

Well-baby checkup

Colic

Medical Care & Testing Premature Babies

1. Placed in intensive care nursery

2. Stay in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)-heated, enclosed beds

3. Neonatology-refers to the care, development, & diseases of newborns

Brazelton scale

Also called the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale

Helps spot problems as early as possible

Test in 4 areas1. Interaction with environment-alertness

& cuddliness

2. Motor processes-activity level & reflexes

3. Control of physical state; self-quieting behaviors

4. Response to stress

Pediatricians

Doctor of infants & children who runs other tests

Anemia

Low level of

oxygen-carrying substances

PKU

a disease that can cause mental retardation

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Jaundice

skin looks yellow-liver is immature

Well-baby checkup

scheduled within first few weeks

Size

7 lbs., 20 inches long

May lose weight right after birth

Body Proportion Look out of proportion compared to adults

Head is very large; ¼ total length

Chest is rounded

Stomach protrudes

Legs very short, drawn up & bowed

Almost no neck

Face

Broad, flat nose

Tiny chin

Cranium

Fontanels (soft spots) where skull is not closed; allows brain to grow

Closes between 1-2 years

Head may appear egg shaped from birth process-disappears within weeks

Skin

Thin & dry

Blotchy

May develop rash which disappears in a week

Eyes

Appear HUGE

Color often blue-gray; eye color develops around 6 months

No tears until 3 months

Reflexes

Automatic responses; some needed for survival

Meeting Physical Needs

Feeding1. Nutritional needs are very

important, because a newborn is growing so quickly

2. Breast-feeding is the preferred method

3. 12 months is recommended

Advantages

Passes mother’s immunities to baby

1. Baby isn’t overfed

2. Saves time & money

3. Reduces allergies, ear infections & possibly SIDS and diabetes

Some mother’s need to or choose to formula-feed

1.Always use commercially-prepared formula; no cow’s milk until 1 year

2.Always hold & cuddle when feeding; NEVER prop the bottle

3.Throw away unfinished formula

4.Baby needs to be burped after feeding

Clothing & Dressing

Clothing needs to be comfortable, easy to put on & take off, easy to launder and suitable for the weather and safe

It should be flame-retardant & have secure fasteners & trims

Infants outgrow their clothing quickly, so they don’t need too much

Diapering

Both cloth & disposable have advantages & disadvantages

Consider cost & convenience

Bathing Give sponge baths until the navel heels (about 3 weeks)

Wash baby’s face first, or “clean to dirty”

NEVER leave the baby alone- EVEN FOR A SECOND

Sleeping

Baby’s average 17 hours a day

Do NOT put pillows or stuffed toys in the crib until at least 1 year old

Always place them on their BACK until 1 year old to reduce the risk of SIDS

Exercising

It is important for muscle development, coordination & relaxation

A good opportunity for “bonding” with baby

Scheduling Feeding on demand is recommended

Meeting their needs helps them develop trust

You can’t spoil them in their first 6 months

Meeting Intellectual Needs

Parents are a child’s first teachers

Research shows us that baby’s learn through their SENSES (eyes, ears, mouth, fingers)

They learn by imitation or copying others

Helping Babies Learn Watch for their quiet, alert state

They will fuss or turn away if over stimulated or bored

Cuddle, talk to, sing to, give them things to look at (mobiles), and things to grasp

Meeting Social-Emotional Needs All are individuals & differ in their alertness &

fussiness

Colic is a condition with intense abdominal pain

Meeting Parent’s Needs

Need for rest

Need to organize

Need to be with other adults