Your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician will be soon after birth. You may have a lot of questions about this first appointment, including what will happen and what you should bring.
As a pediatrician who sees many babies for their first neonatal visit, I get a lot of questions about this appointment. Read on for my answers to frequently asked questions by parents and helpful hints to make this journey go smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newborn’s First Visit to the Pediatrician
1. When should a newborn’s first appointment be scheduled?
Typically, the first visit occurs between 3 and 5 days of life, although this sometimes varies.
2. When do I need to call to schedule this appointment?
Most birth hospitals now require you to provide the name of a pediatrician with whom you will liaise. Usually about 24 hours after birth, your care team at the birth hospital will help you see a pediatrician before you leave the hospital.
3. Why is the appointment immediately after birth?
Most babies lose weight in the first week of life. It usually takes about a week or more for your child to reach the number of ounces we’d like to see him or her consume each day. We check babies often during the first month of life to make sure they aren’t losing too much weight and are growing at a steady rate.
This is also an important time period when we check for jaundice.
4. What will be included in the exam?
Your child’s examination has already started before I could see it. Before you enter the examining room, I will review your baby’s birth records; looked at their birth weight, length, and head circumference; And read something else about pregnancy or birth that will help me get a better understanding of their health.
I will ask you to take off my baby’s diaper. (Bring a blanket!) Then, while we’re talking, I’ll begin to do a visual exam of your baby, looking at their skin for anything unusual such as a skin rash or bumps. I look at his eyes to check for possible signs of jaundice. I make sure the umbilical cord looks healthy. I check his hips for dislocations. I check their reactions.
I also look into diapers and examine their anatomy. I listen to their heart, lungs and stomach. I look at your child from top to bottom, inside and out to assess as much as possible. This happens a lot when I’m interacting with parents. You probably don’t even realize how much is going on while we’re talking.
5. How long does this journey usually take?
Allow yourself about an hour for this first meeting. You will spend 15-20 minutes talking with each of the following:
- Our Front Office StaffWho will confirm that your contact information is complete and correct and will get you set up with MyChart if necessary
- a medical assistantWho will take your child’s vital signs and collect other necessary information from you, such as which is your favorite pharmacy
- Your Pediatricianwho will take your child’s history, do a thorough examination, and answer any questions you have
- a cincinnati children’s nurseTo address any last minute questions and to carry our newborn packet with you (optional)
6. What should I bring to the appointment?
We often already have your baby’s medical records from the birth hospital before this first appointment. If we don’t, we’ll ask you to bring it with you.
If you forget any baby necessities, we have most of what you need, including formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
We recommend that you bring:
- any questions you have
- a blanket for your baby
Both parents are welcome and encouraged to meet the newborn.
7. What is the recommended schedule for meeting newborns?
In the first month of life, be prepared to bring your baby once every week. This is so we can monitor your baby’s growth and make sure they are gaining weight appropriately. Your doctor will talk to you if changes to that schedule need to be made.
Then, when you have your baby we will meet with you for a nice visit:
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
8. What shots might my child need at this first visit?
Your pediatrician may talk to you about these shots during this visit:
- RSV antibody shot (not a vaccine), which helps protect your child from respiratory syncytial virus
- vitamin k shot (not also a vaccine), which helps prevent bleeding in the brain and other organs
- Hepatitis B vaccine (if not given in hospital)
This visit is a good time to get answers to any questions you may have about any of the above.
9. What kind of questions will you ask me on this first meeting?
Be prepared to be asked about any of the following:
- which pharmacy do you use
- If your child is taking formula, list which formula you are using, including the full name on the container (take a photo of it!).
- For formula feeding, how much milk your baby is taking in 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 does your child have per day?
- your own family medical history
10. What kind of questions should I ask you?
Ask us whatever you want! Here are some useful hints:
- Keep a running list of questions On your phone or in a notebook in your diaper bag
- take a photo or video Things you have questions about (like what’s causing the little bumps on their nose, or why the skin around their hair is falling out)
Other Helpful Hints
- Car seat check: Our nursing staff is trained to check car seats for the proper fit in your car. If you haven’t had your car seat professionally checked when you first meet your newborn, ask us about a car seat check.
- Pre-visit to the pediatrician: Many pediatrician offices, including ours, offer short appointments before your baby is born so you can meet the staff and have questions answered before your baby is born.
The relationship with your pediatrician can last for many years, often throughout your child’s childhood. We love meeting new families and are excited to partner with you in the care of your child and their health.
