Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous occasion for families. As new parents, you may have questions and concerns about your baby’s health as you prepare for newborn pediatric exams. A newborn’s first doctor visit addresses these matters and ensures your baby is developing appropriately. But what exactly can you expect from the initial pediatric visit at our Cumming pediatric office?
What Happens at a Baby’s First Doctor’s Appointment?
The first visit to your pediatrician usually takes place three to five days after birth. Here are some of the main stages of an appointment.
Newborn Physical Examination
During the initial visit, the pediatrician will perform a comprehensive physical examination of your baby. This process includes checking vital signs, like heart rate, breathing and temperature. The doctor will also examine your baby’s skin, eyes, ears, hips, neck, nose and mouth to ensure everything is developing as expected. In addition, the pediatrician will assess your baby’s growth by measuring their weight, length and head circumference.
Checking Your Baby’s Reflexes
The doctor uses the first visit to check the baby’s reflexes for any signs of a developmental issue. This process involves monitoring whether the baby grasps a finger or responds to the doctor touching their foot. If the newborn doesn’t exhibit common involuntary responses, this could indicate a neurological or developmental issue that needs to be addressed. In this case, a newborn pediatrician offers many health services to treat disorders (or provide a referral to a specialist when needed).
Discussing Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding and nutrition are vital aspects of a newborn’s health and development. The pediatrician will discuss your baby’s feeding habits, whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and check for signs that show your baby is getting enough nutrition. The first visit is also the time to get proper guidance on how often to feed your baby, along with advice on feeding techniques.
Addressing Sleep Patterns and Safety
Newborn sleep patterns are a concern for many parents. During the visit, the pediatrician will discuss your baby’s sleep habits and how to establish healthy sleep routines, along with safe sleeping practices. Usually, the first newborn visit will also cover essential safety topics like crib safety and the use of infant car seats.
Parent Education and Support
The first doctor’s visit is not only about examining your baby, it’s about providing education and support to you as a parent or parents. The pediatrician will offer valuable information on infant care, safety and general parenting practices. Naturally, the first visit includes time to ask questions, helping you to feel more confident in your new role as a parent. You will also be advised of the suggested infant well-child checkup at one month old.
Contact Us for Newborn Pediatric Services in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics provides well-child and sick care visits for newborns and children of all ages. Our pediatric team offers healthcare services to families from Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. To contact us, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
