Child’s First Visit to the Pediatrician
Having a baby usually means that the near and distant future will be peppered with plenty of doctor’s visits, starting just days after birth. A pediatrician is a parent’s partner in health, wellness, and prevention for their children. It is important to maintain all pediatric appointments, which serve to evaluate a child’s growth and development, as well as immunize babies and children against dangerous diseases.
Did you know…
that it is normal for a new baby to lose some weight between birth and the first pediatrician’s visit? Actually, most newborns experience some weight loss during their first week. Pediatricians monitor this weight loss at initial appointments to ensure babies are feeding properly and adequately. Generally, a breastfed baby can lose as much as 7 to 10 percent of birth weight in the first week without causing alarm. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, should lose no more than 5 percent of birth weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the right time for my child’s first pediatric visit?
Your baby’s first pediatric visit is usually scheduled within 3 to 5 days after birth. However, it is important to wait no more than one week to schedule an initial pediatric visit. This is a crucial time – especially for babies who were discharged from the hospital at less than 48 hours old. This first visit, which is arguably the most important, is when your pediatrician checks your baby for jaundice and health conditions that may not have been detected in the hospital, such as congenital heart disease.
What should I expect during our visit?
Your first visit may be one of the longest. If your child did not receive the hepatitis B shot at birth, it will be administered in the office at the first visit. Your child will also be measured and weighed, and the pediatrician will conduct a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about your child’s eating habits, including how frequently your baby is fed and how long. Your child’s pediatrician may spend time talking with you about related topics, such as developmental milestones, teaching a child to sleep through the night, and baby-proofing your home and car.
How often should I return to the pediatrician?
Most parents schedule subsequent pediatric appointments before leaving the office at each visit. After the initial appointment, your child will need follow-up visits for wellness check-ups and vaccinations several times during the first two years, and then annually thereafter to ensure ongoing health and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatric check-ups at 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months of age. Your schedule may vary slightly from the AAP’s recommendations but should keep the same general timeline.
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