10 common parent questions, answered

Becoming a new parent is an exciting time, but it can also be a time filled with many questions as you navigate new territory. We sat down with Dr. Anthony Malone and Dr. Karyn Hughes of CapitalCare Pediatrics – Troy to get their expert guidance on questions they often hear from parents.

Q: How often does my baby need to be fed?
A: Feeding intervals for babies vary, depending on birth weight, nursing, and how the baby responds to feeling full. In general, one and a half to three hours between feedings for new babies is recommended, and then stretching out to two and a half to four hours after a month of age. Watching for hunger cues can help you determine when your baby is ready to eat again such as licking lips, opening their mouth, fussiness, sticking tongue out, or crying.

Interested in breastfeeding your baby? CDPHP has resources to support you including coverage for meeting with a lactation consultant, breast pump benefits, and access to resources and coaching with the Ovia Health apps.*

Q: Should I have anything in my baby’s crib?
A: There is much to consider regarding your baby’s sleep health, from where they sleep and keeping them safe, to how they sleep. When it comes to your baby’s crib, it’s best to keep it safe and simple and not include anything but the baby in the crib. Blankets, pillows, loose bedding, stuffed toys, or bumpers around the edges of the crib have all been linked to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), strangulation, and suffocation. So, keep stuffed animals for playtime and dress in light layers, footie pajamas, or sleep sacks to keep baby as warm and comfortable as any blanket.

Q: When does my baby need to see their pediatrician?
A: Bright Futures and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a continuation of care and emphasize the importance of your baby visiting their pediatrician. The general recommendation is within the first week, then a second visit within the first month, and then visits at one month, two months, four, six, nine, and 12 months. Developmental, psychosocial, and chronic disease issues for newborns may require more frequent counseling and treatment visits separate from preventive care visits. Your baby’s doctor will be able to make the best recommendations for care.

Q: How do I find a pediatrician for my baby?
A: Word of mouth is the most common way. Talk to your friends, peers, and family about where they brought their children in for care. CDPHP members can use the Find-A-Doc tool to find an in-network pediatrician. You can also check out 2023 Top Doctors pediatric practices.

Community Care Physicians has a wide selection of experienced pediatricians accepting newborn patients throughout the Capital Region. They offer no-cost prenatal (get acquainted) visits so you can meet your baby’s prospective doctor before he or she arrives.

Q: How do I help my baby stop crying?
A: Babies can be a mystery when it comes to why they are crying. Start by going through a routine set of questions: Are they hungry? Need a new diaper? Tired? Cold? Hot? Sick? If you find a cause and address it, the crying usually stops.

But sometimes you don’t have the answer, or you can’t get your baby to stop crying. If you need to put the baby down in their crib and take a few minutes for yourself, that’s okay! That break can help you to reset and refresh so that you are better equipped mentally to handle the crying. Young babies frequently have crying episodes, and sometimes they just need to cry it out.

Q: How do I know if my baby is reaching their developmental milestones?
A: At your baby’s appointments, their doctor should ask if your baby is achieving certain activities that are on track with their age. But if you’d like to keep track between appointments there are several options. The CDC has a great milestone checker. You can also download the Ovia Parenting app to follow your child’s development and learn what’s next.

Q: What if my baby needs special care?
A: Once your baby is born, they will need important assessments including hearing tests, lead screening, testing for developmental delays, and more. Talk to your baby’s doctor about the timing of these important tests. If it’s determined that your baby needs special care, your baby’s doctor can help you secure the extra care you need and support your own needs at the same time, including exploring an Early Intervention Program.

Q: What vaccines does my baby need? And when?
A: The CDC recommends many different vaccines from birth through 18 years of age. You can ask your pediatrician to share their vaccine schedule with you so you’ll be prepared and know which appointments will also have vaccines administered.

Q: How do I get my baby health insurance?
A: To add your little one to your health plan, you’ll want to contact your employer within 30 days of your baby’s birth. Your employer will help you learn about the benefits available and make any adjustments to your existing coverage. You can also look at the New York State Health Insurance programs Child Health Plus or Medicaid, or call the CDPHP State Programs Enrollment Line at 1-844-237-4773 for assistance.

Q: What resources exist to support me as a new parent?
A: There are many resources out there for new parents. Sparks Parent Video Series walks you through what to expect at each routine visit with your child’s doctor. The Ovia Parenting app is another great resource. You’ll have access to thousands of expert parenting articles and tips, baby health tracking for feeding, diapers, and sleep, mental health support for parents and kids, and much more.

As a new parent, your focus may be on your baby and not yourself. Remember to check in with yourself and your mental health. Check out all the resources available to CDPHP members who are new parents.

Your doctor is also there for you to answer your questions. Ask them if they have a patient portal for easier communication.

CDPHP and CapitalCare Pediatrics – Troy have teamed up to provide new parents with resources to support a healthy beginning such as educational books, baby toys, and tip sheets.** Contact CapitalCare Pediatrics – Troy for an appointment for your newborn.

*The Ovia Health apps (Ovia, Ovia Pregnancy, and Ovia Parenting) are available at no-cost through the Apple and Android app store. Eligible CDPHP members also have access to premium features such as the Ovia Care Team, which can be accessed selecting that you have Ovia Health as a benefit during signup and entering CDPHP. Learn more about Ovia Health.

**Resources are available as supplies last.

Everyone’s situation is different. Please consult your baby’s doctor with any concerns you may have

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