It’s not always easy to tell a newborn’s age by their size. Premature babies are usually small, but full-term and past-term babies can be small, too. That’s when healthcare providers will do a gestational assessment to determine if a newborn needs special treatment.
A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully checked for signs of health and normal function.
Most healthcare providers advise taking a baby’s temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby’s anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby’s internal temperature.
The color of a baby’s skin can often help identify possible problems in another area of the body. Here are some skin color changes to be aware of.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice that your baby’s breathing isn’t like yours. Babies breathe much more frequently and with different patterns than adults. Here’s how to recognize normal breathing in your infant – and how to spot signs of respiratory distress.
Your baby’s activity level, appetite, and cries normally vary from day to day, and even hour to hour. But a distinct change in any of these areas may signal illness.
