Texas Health and Human Services / Texas Health Steps
Interactive Anticipatory Guidance Provider Guide
Infancy icon

Discharge to 5-Days Checkup

  • Family Well-Being
    • Keep a usual family routine
    • Get ready for return to work or school (if planned)
    • Schedule next postpartum checkup
    • Be aware of postpartum depression and family stress
    • Accept help
  • Keeping Child Safe
    • Do not shake or hit baby
    • Have baby sleep in crib in room with you
    • Do not share bed with baby
    • Put baby on back in crib with no loose covers or soft bedding
    • Use a crib with slats no less than 2⅜ inches wide
    • Do not leave baby alone in bathwater
    • Keep a hand on baby when on bed or changing on table or couch and never leave alone
    • Keep child in rear-facing car seat in back seat of car until at least 2 years old or until child is over the height and weight limit set by seat maker
    • Ensure home is safe from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Do not smoke in home or car
    • Set water heater at less than 120 degrees
    • Avoid hot liquids when holding baby
    • Choose safe, quality child care
    • Report family violence
  • Healthy Feeding
    • Avoid alcohol use while breastfeeding
    • Do not put baby in bed with bottle
    • Hold onto bottle and do not prop it
    • Follow breastfeeding “how to” tips
    • Store breastmilk in freezer
    • Follow label guide for mixing formula
    • Store mixed formula (for one-day use only) in refrigerator
    • Breastfeed eight to 12 times in 24 hours
    • Formula-feed every three to four hours
    • Do not heat milk in microwave
    • Expect six to eight wet diapers a day
    • Note stool color and frequency
    • Keep track of baby’s weight gain
  • Regular Care and Routines
    • Clean skin, umbilical cord and circumcision
    • Clean mouth with soft cloth two times a day
    • Wash hands often
    • Avoid crowds
    • Take temperature by rectum
    • Follow skin care tips
    • Hold baby’s head and allow tummy time
  • Healthy Progress
    • Stroke head or rock gently to calm baby
    • Talk to baby with simple words and read simple stories