As the parent of a newborn, you know how important it is to maintain a consistent newborn care schedule with your pediatric primary care doctor. But when many families take a vacation in summer and early fall, the schedule can get interrupted. Before you hit the road or take a flight, it’s a great idea to schedule a newborn checkup.
Top 3 Reasons to Schedule a Newborn Checkup Prior to Travel
When you have a new baby, many people will be excited to meet your young one, but before your newborn is introduced to their relatives, a newborn well-child visit sets your baby up for the challenge. This necessary visit is also a good time to continue to establish a comfortable relationship between the child, the parents and the pediatric caregiver. The following are additional reasons to check in with the baby’s doctor.
1. To Maintain the Newborn’s Healthcare Schedule
Regular monthly pediatric checkups for newborns are important to monitor your baby’s progress against benchmarks physically, cognitively and socially. These screenings allow for the early detection of advancements or abnormalities, and for them to be addressed accordingly. With a newborn well-child visit, your pediatrician can let you know if your child is healthy enough to travel. Also, if you are traveling for an extended period, they may have suggestions for trusted pediatric clinics to connect to while you’re out of town.
2. Make Sure Baby Is Protected Against Diseases
Newborns are developing in every way, and this includes their untested immune systems. They are highly susceptible to all manner of germs and illnesses, both airborne and contact. Travel is a time when they will be with many new people, and a time when even adults and older kids fall ill.
Newborns receive their first immunizations shortly after birth, then begin their regularly-scheduled immunization care at two months. If you are traveling domestically, protect your baby by making sure they have these vaccinations. If you are traveling internationally, the pediatric primary care doctor is a great resource for knowing which immunizations your baby (and the whole family) will need prior to your trip. Different regions of the world require different immunizations.
3. Understand How Traveling Can Affect Baby’s Diet and Well-Being
For breastfed babies, everything mom eats affects them. A pre-travel well-child visit with the pediatric primary care doctor is a wonderful time to discuss diet, and what is most beneficial for mother and baby. They can offer nutritional counseling to make sure both are well-fed, and that the diet also contains vital nutrients.
Travel is a major change for babies. Regional differences in temperature and barometric pressure can disrupt their evolving routines. This appointment is a great time to ask questions about how to help your baby with adjustments.
Keep your whole family healthy and happy, and ready to enjoy an incredible vacation with well-child checkups for your newborn and other kids too.
Choose Cumming’s Trusted Pediatric Clinic for Newborn Care
Whether you’re traveling or at home, your newborn’s health is your top priority. The doctors and staff at Vickery Pediatrics offer newborn healthcare with heart to families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. Call our pediatric clinic to schedule at (678) 990-2501, or request an appointment online.
