Your baby’s first visit with a pediatrician will happen soon after birth. You may have a lot of questions about this first appointment, including what will take place and what you should bring.
As a pediatrician who sees many infants for their first newborn visit, I get a lot of questions about this appointment. Read on for my answers to questions that parents often ask, and for helpful hints to make this visit go smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Newborn’s First Visit to the Pediatrician
1. When should the first newborn appointment happen?
Typically, the first visit happens between days 3 and 5 of life, although that sometimes varies.
2. When do I need to call to schedule this appointment?
Most birth hospitals now require you to name a pediatrician that you’re going to follow up with. Usually about 24 hours after birth, your care team at the birth hospital will help you get the first pediatrician visit scheduled before you leave the hospital.
3. Why does the appointment happen so soon after birth?
Most babies lose weight in the first week of life. It usually takes about a week or so for your baby to hit the goal of how many ounces we want to see them taking in each day. We see infants often during the first month of life to make sure they’re not losing too much weight and are growing at a steady rate.
This is also a critical time period where we check for jaundice.
4. What will the exam consist of?
Your child’s exam has already started before I even see them. Prior to entering the exam room, I will have reviewed your baby’s birth record; looked at their birth weight, length and head circumference; and read anything else about the pregnancy or birth that would help me get a better understanding of their health.
I will ask you to undress your baby down to their diaper. (Bring a blanket!) Then, as we’re talking, I’ll start doing a visual exam of your child, looking at their skin for anything unusual such as a rash or bumps on the skin. I look at their eyes to check for possible signs of jaundice. I make sure the umbilical cord looks healthy. I check their hips for dislocations. I check their reflexes.
I also look in the diaper and check their anatomy. I listen to their heart, lungs and belly. I look at your baby from top to bottom, inside and out, to evaluate as much as I possibly can. A lot of this happens while I’m having a conversation with the parents. You might not even realize how much is going on while we’re talking.
5. How long does this visit typically take?
Give yourself about an hour for this first visit. You’ll spend 15-20 minutes talking with each of the following:
- Our front office staff, who will confirm your contact information is complete and correct and get you set up with MyChart if needed
- A medical assistant, who will take your baby’s vital signs and get other necessary information from you, such as what your preferred pharmacy is
- Your pediatrician, who will take your baby’s history, do a complete exam, and answer any questions you may have
- A Cincinnati Children’s nurse, to run through any last-minute questions and go over our newborn packet with you (optional)
6. What should I bring to the appointment?
We often already have your child’s medical record from the birth hospital before this first appointment. If we don’t, we’ll ask you to bring that with you.
If you forget any infant necessities, we have most of what you might need on hand, including formula, bottles, diapers and wipes.
We suggest you bring:
- Any questions you have
- A blanket for your baby
Both parents are welcome and encouraged to come to newborn visits.
7. What is the recommended schedule for newborn visits?
In the first month of life, be prepared to bring your baby in one time each week. This is so we can monitor your baby’s growth and make sure they’re gaining weight appropriately. Your doctor will talk to you if that schedule needs to change.
After that, we’ll see you for well visit appointments when your child is:
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
8. What shots might my baby need at this first visit?
Your pediatrician may talk with you about these shots during this visit:
- RSV antibody shot (not a vaccine), which helps protect your baby from respiratory syncytial virus
- Vitamin K shot (also not a vaccine), which helps prevent bleeding in the brain and other organs
- Hepatitis B vaccine (if not given in the hospital)
This visit is a good time to get answers to any questions you may have about any of the above.
9. What types of questions will you ask me at this first appointment?
Be prepared to be asked about any of the following:
- What pharmacy you use
- If your baby is taking formula, what formula you’re using, including the full name on the container (snap a photo of it!)
- For formula feeding, how much your baby is taking at each feeding and how many feedings per day
- For breastfeeding, how often your baby is feeding and for how many minutes at a time
- How many wet and dirty diapers your baby has had each day
- Your own family medical history
10. What types of questions should I ask you?
Ask us anything you want! Here are a few helpful hints:
- Keep a running list of questions on your phone or in a notebook in your diaper bag
- Take photos or videos of things you have questions about (such as what those tiny bumps are on their nose, or why their skin is flaking around their hair)
Other Helpful Hints
- Car seat checks: Our nursing staff is trained in checking car seats for proper fit in your car. If you haven’t had your car seat professionally checked when you come to your newborn’s first visit, ask us about a car seat check.
- Pediatrician pre-visit: Many pediatrician offices, including ours, offer short visits before your baby is born so you can meet the staff and get questions answered before your infant is born.
A relationship with your pediatrician can last many years, often your child’s entire childhood. We love meeting new families and are excited to partner with you in caring for your child and their health.
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