Baby Bedding

Newborn Baby Care

Newborns

She relies on you for everything -- and you want to get it all right. Here's what you need to know about the basics of caring for your newborn baby.

Crying & Colic Newborns cry -- a lot. How do you know if it's just typical crying or if your baby has colic? Here's what you need to know about what to expect -- and how to calm the cries.

Diapers & Digestion Diaper duty is a full-time job with newborns (just like feeding). You need to nail the basics. Here's what you need to know about diapering and all of baby's digestion issues -- peeing, pooping, the whole enchilada.

Bathtime & Grooming Tending to your newborn is a sweet way to bond: bathing her, trimming her tiny fingernails, combing her hair, rubbing lotion over her super-soft, flawless skin. But it can also be a little intimidating -- how do you do all that stuff? Here are the basics on newborn baby grooming.

Pediatricians & Medicine Is it too late to dial the doctor? Which medicine is best for baby (and how much)? Here, the information you need to keep your teeny baby healthy and happy.

Preemie Care
Preemies need special care. Here's what you need to know about tending to your preemie babe.

Twins & Multiples Got two newborns? Three? Wow! Here's the scoop on caring for your newborns (and keeping your sanity).

Teething & Tooth Care Is your baby teething? Find out when she will get her teeth and how to help her through it.

Vaccinations Vaccines are an essential part of those many well-baby visits you'll pencil in this year. Here, our experts reveal why they're so crucial to keeping your child healthy.

Health Care for Baby

One of the most important things you need to do before giving birth is decide on a doctor for your baby. Don't wait until after you baby is born to choose a pediatrician! Babies need frequent check-ups, shots and sometimes get sick. So you'll want to find a doctor you like and trust.

Some tips on choosing a pediatrician include:

• Call your health insurance company for a list of doctors covered under your plan.
• Find out where they trained and how long they've been in practice. Some insurance companies and hospitals have this information. Details on some doctors can be found on the DoctorFinder on the website of the American Medical Association.
• Request an interview with the pediatricians you like best.
• Find out about their office hours and how they handle concerns and emergencies after office hours.
• Talk with other parents for referrals.

To get regular check-ups and important vaccines, your baby will need health insurance. If you're worried about paying for health care, there are programs for women and children in need.

Deciding on health care and insurance before your child's birth saves time and gives you peace of mind. If you deliver at a hospital where your pediatrician normally sees patients, she will see the baby right after the delivery. If not, make sure a pediatrician on staff at the hospital sees your baby right after the birth. Then you can call your own pediatrician to schedule a visit a few days after birth. Remember to get your baby's medical records before leaving the hospital. Your pediatrician will need them.