Baby's First Checkup: 10 Things to Expect During Your Newborn's First Doctor Visit by Rachael Daniels CPNP-PC, CLC

Newborns
5 years ago

Baby's First Checkup: 10 Things to Expect During Your Newborn's First Doctor Visit

You've had a healthy labor and delivery and you and Baby are headed home. The hospital will recommend that your newborn baby be seen by his pediatrician when he is three to five days old. Now what? As a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, here are 10 things you can expect at that first newborn doctor visit:

1. We will ask you to fill out forms, including your family's health history, so that we will know what familial health conditions your baby may be at risk for as your she gets older.

2. We will get baby's naked weight. This is important for checking what percentage your baby has lost since his birth weight. We want that number 10 percent or less.

3. We will do a complete head-to-toe exam of your newborn and tell you what we find.

4. We will ask you where Baby sleeps. We will tell you the importance of "Back to Sleep."

5. We will check Baby's length and head circumference. These we will plot on a graph and compare at each visit to make sure your baby is growing well. (This continues throughout your baby's first year and throughout childhood.)

6. If you are formula feeding, we will ask how much Baby is taking and how often. We will still want to know about those wet diapers and poops, too!

7. We will screen you for postpartum depression and ask how you're feeling. Be sure to tell us how your birth was. Did you have a lot of bleeding? Did you get that skin-to-skin time? Did you feel supported during your delivery? Are you and the dad sharing responsibilities of caring for your baby?

8. If you are breastfeeding, we will ask how it is going. We want to know if your milk has come in, how many wet diapers Baby is having and how many poops he has in a day. We will also ask your feeding schedule.

9. We will check for yellowing of Baby's skin and want to know Baby's blood type (don't worry, this should be on the hospital discharge records you bring to us). If your baby's bilirubin level was elevated (jaundiced), we will check it again.

10. We will discuss immunizations. If you elected to postpone Hep B in the hospital, we will give it at the first visit. You should get a list of immunizations and what to expect when. A complete list is also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. Most pediatricians follow those guidelines. Baby will get those first immunizations at her 6- to 8-week-old visit.

Most of all, we are here to support you, answer your questions and ensure that you are prepared to meet your growing baby's needs. Let us know how we can help, what questions you have and how we can support you in this amazing journey of parenthood!

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links. The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

How to Choose a Pediatrician: Questions Pregnant Moms Need to Ask Before Baby Arrives

Why You Need to Find a Pediatrician That Supports Your Breastfeeding Goals!

When You See Your Newborn for the First Time: 13 Honest Stories for Parents-to-Be

Fourth Trimester of Pregnancy: How You Feel in the First Trimester May Forecast Life With a Newborn

Elisa Schmitz
Wow, what a comprehensive appointment. Thank you for sharing what new parents can expect, Rachael Daniels CPNP-PC, CPEN !
Pixiedust911
Do you have this in Spanish? I have families that could use this helpful reading

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Breastfeeding Immediately After Childbirth: 8 Benefits for Mom & Baby!

Postpartum Depression Isn't Just for New Moms: 5 Reasons Why Dads Get PPD!

Hair Loss After Pregnancy: It'll Freak You Out, but Here's Why You Probably Shouldn't Worry