Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time filled with new experiences. Establishing a relationship with a pediatrician early on is important to ensure a healthy start for the newborn. This medical partnership creates a foundation for tracking a child’s growth, monitoring developmental milestones, and addressing common newborn challenges. Selecting a healthcare provider and understanding the scheduling timeline ensures your baby receives prompt, professional care during their first days and weeks of life.
Choosing Your Pediatrician
The process of selecting a physician should ideally be completed well before the baby arrives, typically in the third trimester of pregnancy. Finding a pediatrician who is a good fit for your family is important, as this professional will be a regular presence in your child’s life. Practical criteria for selection include confirming the provider is within your insurance network to avoid unexpected costs. Also consider the office location, operating hours, and the doctor’s affiliation with your delivery hospital.
Many pediatric practices offer a complimentary “meet-and-greet” interview, which is a valuable opportunity to assess the doctor’s communication style and the clinic’s atmosphere. During this visit, you can inquire about their approach to common issues like feeding, sleep, and vaccination schedules. Choosing a pediatrician ahead of time streamlines the hospital discharge process and prevents a rushed decision during the hectic first days postpartum.
Timeline for Scheduling and First Visit
While pediatrician selection occurs during pregnancy, the actual scheduling of the first visit happens after the baby is born and a discharge date is confirmed. The hospital staff usually contacts the chosen pediatrician’s office to inform them of the birth and provide preliminary medical details. Parents or a designated support person should call the pediatric office immediately upon discharge from the hospital to book the first checkup.
The standard timeline for a newborn’s first physical examination is between 24 and 72 hours after leaving the hospital, or generally within three to five days after birth. This rapid follow-up is important, especially if the mother and baby were discharged early (less than 48 hours after delivery). The primary rationale for this early visit is to monitor two common newborn conditions: physiologic weight loss and jaundice. Newborns typically lose up to 10% of their birth weight, and the doctor confirms that feeding is adequate and the baby is beginning to regain weight. The checkup also includes a clinical assessment for jaundice, a temporary yellowing of the skin caused by elevated bilirubin levels.
Key Components of the Initial Checkup
The first visit, often called the initial well-baby visit, is a comprehensive assessment of the newborn’s transition to life outside the womb. Before the physical exam, parents will complete paperwork and provide the baby’s hospital discharge records, including initial weight and medical history. The exam begins with a thorough physical assessment, measuring the baby’s weight, length, and head circumference, which are plotted on a growth chart to track development.
The pediatrician performs a head-to-toe examination, checking the fontanelles (soft spots) on the skull, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the umbilical cord stump for healing. Specific checks include manipulating the hips and legs to screen for hip dysplasia and assessing newborn reflexes, such as the Moro reflex, which indicates normal neurological function. A major part of the visit is a discussion about the baby’s feeding and elimination patterns. Parents will be asked about the frequency of feedings and the number of wet and dirty diapers, which are direct indicators of adequate intake and hydration.
The physician will also provide guidance on important safety topics, including proper car seat usage and safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is also the time to discuss the initial immunization schedule, which typically begins at the two-month visit. The Hepatitis B vaccine is often administered in the hospital. This comprehensive checkup is designed to address any concerns parents may have and ensure the newborn is healthy.