Newborn Health and Wellness: What's Normal and When to Call the Pediatrician

Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita and Derby, KS, is a multi-doctor facility with a reputation for quality and excellence. With a group of truly caring doctors — many of whom are parents themselves — we’re here to help you with many health concerns. For example, being knowledgeable about newborn care is important to keep your little one safe. 

Healthy Newborns Need Lots of Attention 

A healthy baby is wonderful — there’s nothing like a happy little one quietly sleeping in their crib to make a parent happy — and keeping them healthy is critical. During the early days, they’re especially vulnerable and may have particular problems that are less likely to occur a few weeks on. 

When your baby is healthy and normal, they should eat a few times a day, rest a lot (it’s not uncommon for them to sleep over 16 hours), and cry a little when they need you. That’s all well and good, but when should you be worried? Is your child not developing like their older siblings? That happens and your baby isn’t necessarily in danger.

Our team at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita and Derby knows that it’s common for things to go wrong. Is that reason to panic? 99% of the time, no — doing so will only drive you crazy. That said, there are times when a baby needs attention.

Times to Call the Doctor

 Symptoms of something is wrong with your little one include:

• Muscle slackness
• Blue/purple hands or feet that also feel cold 
• Blood in the stool 
• Persistent coughing
• Jaundice that won’t go away (yellow eyes and skin)
• Trouble breathing 
• Crying or sleep patterns that are out of character

Take Your Little One’s Health Seriously 

In these delicate early days, taking the right steps could give your child the health they need to stay strong for the rest of their lives. Call us today East Wichita, (316) 634-2000; West Wichita, (316) 773-3100; or Derby, (316) 719-2001 to set up your appointment — we’ll help keep your baby healthy.