Other vaccinations are not due until the baby is 2 months old.ĭo not be alarmed if your infant has lost weight-it is perfectly normal. Finally, if your baby did not have a hepatitis B shot at the hospital, they will administer one. Your pediatrician will ask about the baby’s feeding schedule, along with wet and dirty diapers, and review safety measures such as umbilical cord care, use of car seats, and water temperature for bathing. Gennaro says the most common problems they may find, and recommend further testing for, include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), heart murmurs, hip instability, or dimples at the base of the spine. The pediatrician will examine your baby thoroughly from head to toe, paying special attention to their skin, head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth/tongue, clavicles, heart, lungs, umbilical cord, belly, back, and extremities. Dr. Breastfeeding keeps babies calm while we talk to you, and we want them to get the nutrition they need.” “A common misconception is that we are uncomfortable with you breastfeeding in the room,” she says. Gennaro encourages her patients to breastfeed during the appointment if it is helpful. They will also check vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.ĭr. The nurse or medical assistant will then measure the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. When you are called into the exam room, you will be asked to undress the baby. The pediatrician will want to know if there were any complications during your pregnancy or birth.Ī typical appointment lasts about 30 minutes. You will be asked about your pregnancy, delivery, and medical history. “We do ask the partner to call in, and some even choose to FaceTime so they can really be present for the visit,” she says.īefore you go into the exam room, the receptionist will ask you to fill out several documents. Scarfone explains that while COVID-19 protocols are in place, we are only allowing one caregiver to be in the room for the appointment. Usually, pediatricians recommend bringing your partner or another caregiver however, Dr. Dress your bundle of joy in loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed, such as a onesie. Remember to pack the diaper bag with all the essentials-a change of clothes, diapers, an extra bottle of formula if you are not breastfeeding, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and a blanket to put underneath your baby when the doctor is examining them on the table. Parents should bring their discharge paperwork from the hospital as well as their insurance card. Parents should wear a mask and wash their hands before leaving the office.” The rooms are also thoroughly cleaned between patients. “We try to group well visits together to prevent overlap with sick visits. “It is normal to feel worried about bringing your baby out in public during the pandemic,” says Erica Gennaro, MD, another pediatrician at Summit Health. It is also a good idea to keep the car seat covered while walking through public spaces. If there is not a dedicated area, find a seat in the corner several feet away from other patients. Babies can be unpredictable-they may need to eat or have a diaper change-and this will give you plenty of time to organize yourself in the waiting area.Īsk your physician’s office if they have a separate newborn waiting room that keeps their tiniest patients isolated from older children who may be sick. Leave for the appointment 15 minutes early so you are not in a rush. Taking a newborn out of the house can be overwhelming. Together, we can ensure good communication, adherence to visits and recommendations, and provide thorough education every step of the way.” As pediatricians, we can provide the most well-rounded care for children when working together with parents. “There are many things that are reviewed and discussed according to the child's age and individual progress. “It is important to attend all scheduled visits throughout the first year of life and beyond,” says Catalina Scarfone, DO, a pediatrician at Summit Health. Sometimes the doctor may recommend you visit the pediatrician the day after discharge if your baby needs to be checked sooner. Babies should come in for their first appointment within two to three days of leaving the hospital. Knowing what to expect at your newborn’s first pediatrician visit can help you stay organized and get the most out of your checkup. At Summit Health, our pediatricians are here to guide you through the ups and downs of the newborn stage and answer your questions about common concerns like feeding, sleeping, and development. But for many, especially new parents, it is also a time of anxiety and stress. Welcoming a new baby is a time of joy and excitement.
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