Cumming Newborn Pediatric Doctors
Vickery Pediatrics provides wellness checkups for newborns at our Cumming office. While the vast majority of babies will be happy and healthy with no physical concerns, it is important to monitor their development during routine appointments. Your pediatrician will become a close ally throughout your child’s early years, and their care and friendly advice can be incredibly beneficial. With proper attention in the all-important period after birth, your child will be well-positioned for healthy physical and social progress.
Pediatric Checkups for Newborns in Cumming
Pediatricians work hand-in-hand with hospital specialists to organize a smooth transition of care. For the first newborn visit parents will bring the information packet they received at the hospital. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this first visit should take place within two to three days after arriving home from the hospital, or three to five days after birth. Well-baby visits will then be scheduled after the first and second months.
Benefits of Well-Child Visits for Newborns
- Get advice – Your pediatrician will give advice on child safety, diet and nutrition, sleeping patterns, plus other key aspects of caring for a newborn.
- Monitor growth – Monitor growth and milestones based on expected guidelines. This process is used to confirm that your child is developing appropriately.
- Raise concerns – Parents will inevitably have questions or concerns, and a newborn well-child visit is a good time to discuss these.
- Collaboration – Initial visits are a chance to build trust and understanding, as parents and their pediatrician have a child’s best interests at heart.
- Sickness prevention – Health checkups, immunization and wellness recommendations will help promote good health and reduce sickness.
Comprehensive Care for Newborns
Newborn checkups will cover a range of measurements, physical examinations and immunizations. A child’s height, weight, head circumference and blood pressure will be measured and compared with expected levels for their age. Vision and hearing will also be evaluated.
Physical examinations include inspections of the head, mouth, eyes, ears, lungs and other parts of the body. Whether no areas of concern are found, or there are factors that need to be monitored over time, these examinations provide a valuable record of a newborn’s health.
The social and behavioral assessment is another important part of a newborn checkup. Initially, babies rely on reflex actions like wriggling, kicking their legs, turning towards loud sounds, crying and screaming. However, since infants progress quickly, it is vital to evaluate, track and measure their development against anticipated milestones. After the newborn exam is completed, you’ll follow the infant and toddler well-child schedule for future visits.
How Our Pediatricians Help Newborn Development
It’s a good strategy to schedule a prenatal (before the birth) visit with a pediatrician. Prenatal visits can establish a familiar relationship with your pediatrician, and allows parents to meet the pediatric staff that will play a key role in their child’s health.
Visits usually take place during the third trimester of pregnancy. While evaluating a family’s specific needs, a pediatric doctor offers support and advice, and can discuss what to expect as new parents.
Common Questions About Newborn Checkups
How often should my newborn wake up?
Most newborns will wake up every two to four hours for feeding until they settle into a longer sleep pattern. In total, babies sleep for around 14–17 hours each day.
What immunizations will my newborn require?
The hepatitis B vaccine will be given shortly after birth, and a second dose scheduled for the first or second month. During the second month after birth, children receive immunization for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), polio, pneumococcal disease and rotavirus.
How can I get the best results from a newborn checkup?
Advance preparation for your newborn checkup can help you get the most from a visit. For instance, before the visit write down some questions you’ll want to ask your pediatrician. You can record factors such as feeding times, sleep schedule, physical and social development and so on.
Trusted Well-Child Visits for Newborns in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics works with parents to ensure the healthy growth and development of newborns in their first two months. Our attentive pediatricians help families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For assistance, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.
