Bringing your newborn to the pediatrician for the first time is a big milestone and for many moms. Here’s some advice on what to prepare for your baby’s first pediatric visit.

Here’s some personal advice from a mother and a pediatrician:

• When to Schedule the First Visit ?

Most pediatricians recommend seeing your baby at 1 week after birth.

What Will Happen During the Visit?

1- Growth and Physical Exam:

• check your baby’s weight(without clothes and diaper ), length, and head circumference and plot these measurements on a growth chart to track development.

• A complete physical examination will be done, including:

• Skin (for jaundice or rashes)

• Eyes (red reflex ,and discharge)

• Mouth and palate

• Heart and lungs

• abdomen (checking the umbilical stump )

• Hips, legs, and spine

• Genitals and diaper area

2- Feeding Assessment

• The doctor will ask about feeding frequency, amount ,and if breast feeding about latching, and milk supply.

3- Frequency of urination (wet diapers )and passing stools.

4- Jaundice Screening

• The doctor may check for yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially in the first week.

5- Umbilical Cord and Circumcision Care (if applicable)

• Instructions will be given on how to clean and monitor the umbilical stump and care for a circumcision site, if done.

6- Newborn Screening Results of hearing test and metabolic screen to be discussed .

7- Advice given as well about :

• Safe sleep (back to sleep, crib safety, avoiding co-sleeping)

• Bathing and skincare

• Signs of illness and when to seek medical advice .

• Vitamin D supplementation

• Upcoming vaccination schedule

Also as this visit not only about the newborn but about mother ,her self care and mental health and to maintain that ,feel free to ,mention any issue you are facing yourself or new feelings you are experiencing .

Try to prepare Questions ahead and note it down as it’s normal to forget when at the doctor . Also bring with you hospital record and vaccination booklet ,and if bottle fed ,baby feeding bottles .

Some helpful common questions as :

• How do I know my baby is feeding well?

• How can I tell if my baby is crying from hunger, gas, or something else?

• Is this poop color normal?

• How often should I wake my baby for feeds?

• When should we start tummy time?

• Is it normal for my baby to sneeze/hiccup/startle often?

• How do I care for the umbilical cord?

• What temperature is considered a fever in a newborn?and how frequent to measure it ?and how ?

• Can I take my baby outside or around visitors?

This is a chance for you to feel supported and heard as a new parent. No question is too small or silly. Pediatricians are there not only to care for your baby’s health, but to guide and reassure you through this journey .

At Your Baby’s First Pediatrician Visit: What you Should Expect