Newborn and Infant Care in Santa Barbara, CA
Ensuring your baby receives regular preventative medical care is among the primary duties for new parents. At Petite Pediatrics, you have a trusted group of pediatric experts to evaluate your little one’s growth and development and help answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Expectant parents, families with infants, or those new to Santa Barbara can reach out to us for support in arranging and coordinating routine pediatric healthcare appointments.
Dr. Charish Barry is a board-certified pediatrician expertly trained in providing newborn and infant care. Dr. Barry is dedicated to providing exceptional care through every stage of your child’s development. Call (805) 845-1221 to request an appointment at our pediatric clinic in Santa Barbara today.
Handle With Care
Your little one is fragile. There are some basic ways to support your child safely. Make sure:
- Hands are always washed before holding or handling your baby
- There is adequate support for their head and neck
- Don’t ever shake your baby (even to wake them)
Infant Care Schedule
During the initial months of your baby’s life, you will be interacting with us frequently! These regular pediatric check-ups are vital for ensuring essential preventive care, monitoring your child’s growth and progress, and building a relationship with your pediatrician.
During these visits you can expect us to measure your baby’s total length, weight, and head circumference, and then go over the growth charts. We will review your little one’s medical history and what has been happening since you last visited including nutrition and developmental milestones.
Appointments will typically follow the schedule below:
- The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
- 12 months old
- 15 months old
- 18 months old
- 2 years old (24 months)
- 2 ½ years old (30 months)
After that, well-child visits should be scheduled once per year.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are vital to your baby’s health—protecting them from dangerous illnesses. The chart below outlines the immunization schedule you can expect. Dr. Barry follows the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccination guidelines.
2023 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
Breastfeeding
Establishing a feeding routine is crucial. Newborns typically require nursing every three hours. Set up a cozy environment for breastfeeding, especially since it might be time-consuming initially; ensuring both you and the baby are at ease is essential. Most women should aim for a daily intake of 2,200-2,400 calories to meet the demands of breastfeeding.
No need to worry if breastfeeding takes some time at first; that’s entirely normal. If you encounter any challenges with breastfeeding, we’re here to suggest a lactation consultant who can provide valuable assistance in making the breastfeeding experience smoother.
Know When to See Dr. Charish Barry
Aside from wellness visits, our board-certified team of pediatricians are here for you if your little one may be sick or experiencing concerning symptoms.
- Your baby is under 2 months and has a fever over 100.4°F
- Your baby won’t eat/refuses to eat
- Your baby has watery diarrhea
- Your baby won’t stop crying for no apparent reason
- Your baby is not responsive
- Your baby has a rash on the body
- Your baby has signs of infection (redness; swelling) around the umbilical cord
- Your baby has a swollen stomach
Request a Newborn and Infant Care Appointment
If your child is in need of pediatric care, request an appointment with Santa Barbara’s most trusted pediatrician, Dr. Charish Barry. Call (805) 845-1221 for an appointment at our pediatric office in Santa Barbara today.
