Newborn Care

At this stage in your life, you may find yourself asking a lot of questions. How can I find a pediatrician? Is breastfeeding supposed to be this hard? Is my car seat installed properly?

We’re here to help you navigate the unknowns of parenting a newborn and support their health and well-being as they grow.

Find a pediatrician. A pediatrician will be your go-to for well-child visits, care for common illnesses and more. If you haven’t chosen a pediatrician yet, not to worry. Mary Bridge Children’s offers a number of pediatric primary care providers at convenient locations around the South Puget Sound. Families also turn to us for comprehensive specialty care, from orthopedics to urology to heart care and more.

Get immunizations. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your baby’s health is to stay up to date on routine vaccinations. The Mary Bridge Children’s Immunization Clinic offers free vaccines for newborns and children up to age 19 by appointment. Learn more about vaccine safety, recommended vaccine schedules and other topics.

Know what to do an in an emergency. When your pediatrician isn’t available and your child is sick or injured, you may wonder where to go for care. Mary Bridge Children’s Urgent Care locations are ideal for illnesses or injuries that need attention but are not life threatening. The emergency department (ED) is the best option when your child is experiencing life-threatening symptoms. Learn more about when to go to the ED versus urgent care.

• Travel safely in the car. Ensure each car ride is safe by reviewing our car seat safety tips. You can also schedule a visit with one of our child passenger safety technicians, who will teach you how to properly install and adjust your child’s car seat.
• Support safe sleep. A safe sleep environment can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other dangers. Learn how to put your baby to sleep safely during naps and at nighttime.
• Childproof your home. While your little one isn’t yet crawling, it’s never too early to assess your home environment to ensure that it’s free of potential hazards. Read our childproofing tips.

Breastfeeding assistance. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for your baby, yet breastfeeding may not come easily. MultiCare offers an array of breastfeeding support services, including virtual or in-person appointments with our lactation consultants. We can also assist with breast pump sales and rentals.

Nutrition support. If you are a Washington resident and meet certain income household guidelines, you may qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This program provides healthy food, nutrition education and more. Find out how Mary Bridge Children’s WIC program can help you.

Postpartum care. Family Connects Pierce County offers free nursing support during your baby’s first 12 weeks of life. Registered nurses provide medical checkups for you and your baby and ensure you have the tools you need to thrive. This free service is available to all families regardless of income or background.

Resources to cope with baby’s crying. You knew that babies cry, but this much? The Period of Purple Crying refers to a developmental stage in a child’s life when they experience increased bouts of fussiness or crying. Visit The Period of Purple Crying website to learn more about comforting your baby while keeping your cool.

Advance your knowledge. Mary Bridge Children’s and MultiCare offer classes and webinars on a variety of topics, from breastfeeding to infant CPR to childhood health and wellness and more. Find a learning opportunity near you.