The first months of a baby’s life are filled with growth and developmental milestones. With so much happening in this period, Cumming pediatric well-child services provide an important support network for parents. During periodic visits, pediatricians offer ongoing monitoring and practical guidance to ensure your newborn is developing properly. If you’re a first-time parent or have a child on the way, here’s how a pediatrician can help.
What Are the Main Ways Pediatricians Support a Newborn’s Development?
A strong relationship with a pediatrician will help parents lay a foundation for their child’s good health and well-being. From vital screening tests to practical advice, pediatricians deliver support in several critical ways.
Regular Checkups
Children typically have seven well-child visits during their first 12 months. These appointments allow the pediatrician to carefully monitor your newborn’s growth and development, and it’s the time to address parental concerns with your physician. Families build a trusting relationship with their pediatrician and health team during these regular visits.
Guidance and Support for Parents
Part of the relationship between parents and pediatricians involves learning about your baby. Whether it’s sleeping habits, feeding methods, stress management – or any other aspect of newborn care – your pediatrician is there to guide you. If you’re unsure of what to expect or what to ask, read our tips for preparing for your newborn’s pediatric checkup.
Assessment of Developmental Milestones
Tracking developmental milestones is a time-tested way to assess a newborn’s progress. From measuring the baby’s weight to monitoring their motor skill ability, reaching designated milestones is a good indicator of their physical and cognitive development. When certain milestones have not been met, your pediatrician may advise early interventions (or referral to a specialist).
Vaccine Guidance
Vaccinations protect newborns from serious diseases, such as hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Pediatricians manage and administer immunizations that keep children safe from life-threatening conditions. Parents can also discuss the purpose and benefits of these vaccines with their family pediatrician.
Nutritional Advice
Nutrition is a topic that’s vital for the health of a newborn child, and one that can cause some confusion. During a well-child visit your pediatrician can offer detailed information on breastfeeding and formula feeding, when to introduce solid foods, how to manage feeding issues and so on.
Early Detection of Health Conditions
The knowledge and experience a well-baby exam pediatrician brings makes them well-equipped to identify symptoms or behaviors that are a concern. With routine screenings, growth measurements and reflex tests, a pediatrician will sometimes recognize an issue that requires further assessment. By identifying potential development issues or health conditions early-on, your newborn can receive quick care and treatment.
Contact Us for Pediatric Newborn Support and Guidance
Vickery Pediatrics is a trusted name for sick care and well-child newborn visits. We offer checkups for families at our friendly clinic, covering Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.
