Key Takeaways
- Timing matters: Most pediatricians recommend the first visit occurs 3 to 5 days after birth, or 2 to 3 days after leaving the hospital.
- Comprehensive exam: The doctor will check your baby’s weight, length, head circumference, and overall physical development.
- Feeding focus: A significant portion of the visit involves discussing feeding habits, diaper output, and potential weight loss.
- Parental support: This appointment is as much for you as it is for the baby; it is the perfect time to ask questions about sleep, safety, and postpartum adjustment.
- Expert care:Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates specializes in compassionate care for children in all stages in PA. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your newborn gets the best start in life.
The first few days at home with a newborn are often a blur of joy, exhaustion, and learning curves. Just as you are settling into a routine, it is time to pack the diaper bag for your baby’s first trip to the pediatrician. This initial checkup is a major milestone. It transitions your baby’s care from the hospital staff to your chosen primary care provider.
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Knowing exactly what will happen during the appointment can help reduce anxiety and allow you to focus on your new child. This guide covers the essential aspects of that first visit, so Lancaster parents can feel prepared and confident.
When Should the First Visit Happen?
Timing is critical for newborn care. Most pediatricians want to see a newborn within two to three days of discharge from the hospital. This usually lands between day three and day five of the baby's life.
Why so soon? Newborns go through rapid changes in their first week. Doctors need to monitor for issues like jaundice, dehydration, and excessive weight loss that might not have been present at the hospital. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates prioritizes these early visits to catch any potential concerns immediately.
The Physical Exam: A Head-to-Toe Assessment
During the visit, the pediatrician will conduct a thorough physical examination. This is not just a quick look-over; it is a systematic check of every system in your baby's body.
Measurements and Growth
First, a nurse will measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference. Do not panic if the weight number is lower than the birth weight. It is normal for newborns to lose between 5% and 10% of their body weight in the first few days as they shed excess fluid. The doctor will calculate this percentage to ensure it falls within a healthy range and that the baby is on track to regain the weight within two weeks.
The Full Body Check
The pediatrician will examine the baby from head to toe. This typically includes:
- Head: Checking the fontanelles (soft spots) to ensure they are flat and soft.
- Eyes and Ears: Looking for signs of infection, blocked tear ducts, or congenital issues.
- Mouth: Checking for tongue-tie, which can interfere with feeding, and looking for signs of oral thrush.
- Heart and Lungs: Listening for heart murmurs or irregular breathing patterns.
- Abdomen: Feeling for any enlarged organs or hernias.
- Hips and Legs: Moving the baby's legs to check for developmental hip dysplasia.
- Skin: Looking for rashes, birthmarks, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
Feeding and Digestion Discussions
Feeding is often the biggest source of stress for new parents. Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, the doctor will want to know the details.
Be prepared to answer questions about frequency and duration. For breastfeeding moms, the provider may ask if latching is painful or if the baby seems satisfied after feeding. For formula-fed babies, they will discuss the type of formula and volume consumed.
The output is just as important as the input. The doctor will ask about the number of wet and dirty diapers. This helps the medical team determine if the baby is hydrated and digesting milk properly.
Normal Newborn Behaviors vs. Warning Signs
New parents often struggle to distinguish between normal newborn quirks and issues that require medical attention. Use the table below as a quick reference guide, but always consult Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates for specific advice.
| Behavior | Typically Normal | When to Call the Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing | Irregular breathing with pauses less than 10 seconds. | Fast breathing (over 60 breaths/min), flaring nostrils, or grunting. |
| Skin Color | Skin Color | Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice); blue tint around lips. |
| Crying | Crying for hunger, diaper changes, or comfort (1-3 hours/day). | High-pitched, inconsolable crying or crying continuously for long periods. |
| Sleep | Sleeping 16-17 hours a day in short bursts. | Extreme lethargy; hard to wake for feedings. |
| Temperature | Hands and feet may feel cool to the touch. | Rectal temperature over 100.4°F (38°C). |
Immunizations and Screenings
Depending on what was done at the hospital, your baby may receive the Hepatitis B vaccine during this visit. This is the first in a series of vaccinations designed to protect your child from serious diseases.
If the hospital missed any newborn screenings, such as the hearing screen or the metabolic blood test (often called the heel stick), they might be performed or scheduled during this appointment.
Questions Parents Should Ask
You will likely have a list of questions, and that is encouraged. Sleep deprivation can make it hard to remember everything, so write them down on your phone or a notepad before you go.
Common topics to discuss include:
- Safe sleep practices and SIDS prevention.
- Umbilical cord care and when it should fall off.
- Circumcision care (if applicable).
- Vitamin D supplements (often recommended for breastfed babies).
- Car seat safety.
Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates understands that parents need support just as much as babies do. If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing signs of postpartum depression, this visit is a safe space to mention it. The pediatric team can provide resources or referrals to help you cope.
Schedule Your Newborn’s First Checkup Today
The first well visit sets the foundation for your child's future health. It establishes a relationship of trust between your family and your provider, ensuring you have a partner in parenting from day one. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is dedicated to guiding Lancaster families through every sniffle, growth spurt, and milestone.
Contact Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates to schedule your newborn's first well visit and experience compassionate, expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to the first well visit?
Pack a diaper bag with plenty of diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for the baby. Bring your hospital discharge papers, insurance card, and a list of questions you want to ask. If you are formula feeding, bring a bottle just in case the baby gets hungry during the wait.
Can I delay the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Vaccination schedules are designed by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect children when they are most vulnerable. However, parents often have questions about timing. It is best to discuss your concerns directly with the pediatrician at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates to understand the benefits and risks.
What if my baby cries during the exam?
Crying is completely normal and expected. Babies cry when they are undressed, weighed, or handled. Pediatricians are used to it and will not be bothered. You can comfort your baby by talking soothingly, offering a pacifier, or feeding them if the doctor gives the okay.
