Baby Care Basics Protocol

Provider Type

  • Participating Physician Groups (PPG)

The following topics are recommended for all baby care basics education programs: 

  • Normal newborn characteristics:
    • physical characteristics
    • reflex response
    • behavior patterns
    • sleep patterns
  • Newborn care:
    • bathing, including: umbilical cord care, circumcision care, skin care, and proper bathing techniques
    • diapering and changing
    • nutrition, including: breast-feeding and bottle feeding tips on technique, positions, frequency, formula storage, bottle care and cost, and signs of hunger
  • Caring for a sick baby:
    • before calling the doctor
    • newborn warning signs
  • Well baby checkups:
    • importance of regular checkups
    • what to expect at pediatric visits
    • immunization guidelines
  • Safety tips:
    • infant car seat use
    • home environment
  • Resources for baby care information
    • community resources
    • websites
    • literature

Frequency of Program

One-to-one counseling should be offered on an ongoing, as-needed basis. Health Net recommends participating physician groups (PPGs) offer seminars or classes at least monthly. The baby care basics education program may be a one-session seminar, a multi-session class, one-to-one counseling, or any combination of these modes.

Baby care basics education programs offered as classes or seminars should be at least two hours in length. One-to-one nutrition education programs should be at least one hour in length. A multi-session class is strongly recommended.