Parent guides

Short guides, in plain words, on the questions parents ask most.

Your newborn

The first weeks at home, sleep, crying and the signs that need a doctor.

• The first days at homeCord care, baths, diapers, weight, skin, normal newborn habits and visitors in the first weeks with your baby.
• Jaundice in newbornsWhy many newborns turn yellow in the first week, how doctors check it, what light treatment involves, and the signs that need a doctor.
• Danger signs in newbornsWhy fever in a baby under 3 months is an emergency, how to take the temperature, and the other signs that need a doctor right away.
• Safe sleep and cryingHow to put your baby to sleep safely, why newborns cry, how to soothe them, and when crying means something is wrong.

Premature babies

Life in the neonatal unit, corrected age and going home.

• Premature babies and the neonatal unitWhat it means to be born early, what the machines in the neonatal unit do, why progress has ups and downs, and how you can help your baby.
• Corrected age for premature babiesHow to work out your premature baby's corrected age, when to use it for growth and milestones, and why vaccines still follow the birth date.
• Going home from the neonatal unitThe signs that show your premature baby is ready to go home, the usual follow-up checks, how to prevent infections, RSV season, and when to call.

Feeding

Breastfeeding, expressed milk, formula and first foods.

• BreastfeedingHow to get breastfeeding started, how to tell your baby is getting enough, and what to do about common early problems.
• Expressing and storing breast milkWhen and how to express breast milk, how long it keeps, and how to thaw, warm and clean safely.
• Formula feedingWhen formula is needed, how to choose one, how to prepare bottles safely and how much to give.
• Starting solid foodsWhen to start solids, which foods to offer first, how to introduce allergens and how to keep meals safe.
• Your baby's gut microbiomeWhat the gut microbiome is, how a baby's gut gets its first good bacteria, what can upset it, and simple things you can do.

Growth and milestones

What most children do at each age, and when to ask.

• Developmental milestones from 3 months to 17 yearsWhat most children do at each age from birth to 17 years, the signs that should prompt a call to the doctor, and how premature babies use corrected age.

Vaccines and everyday health

Vaccines, fever, colds and when to call the doctor.

• VaccinesWhy vaccines matter, Dr. Merheb Melki's vaccine schedule from birth to 16 years, and what to expect after a shot.
• Fever in childrenWhat counts as a fever, how to measure it, how to keep your child comfortable, medicine doses by weight, and the signs that need a doctor.
• Everyday tipsWhat helps with a blocked nose, teething, diaper rash, colds, sun, car seats, screens and handwashing.
• When to call the doctorWhich signs need emergency care now, which need a call to the doctor today, and which can wait for the next visit.