Newborn Care

Your new baby has their first checkup within two weeks after leaving the hospital. During this newborn care visit, their pediatrician performs the required newborn screening tests in the office, so you don’t need to make a separate trip to the hospital for your baby’s testing.

Your newborn’s checkup is a comprehensive exam to be sure they’re growing and developing normally. During the checkup, the pediatrician: 

• Checks your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference
• Evaluates your baby’s feeding, bowel, and sleeping habits
• Does a physical examination, including an eye exam
• Performs a developmental evaluation

These visits also give parents time to ask questions about their baby, whether they’re not sure about how to bathe the baby, they have trouble with feeding, they’re worried about the baby’s sleep schedule, or any other concerns.

Some states routinely screens for genetic and rare medical conditions, including 32 core and 24 secondary conditions. The goal is to identify and treat diseases early enough to prevent serious complications such as growth problems, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, blindness, deafness, and seizures.

Within the first 24 hours after delivery, your newborn has a hearing screening, and blood is drawn from their heel to run the routine screening tests. Some states require the same procedure to take place at your baby’s two-week checkup.

Well-child visits are ongoing checkups for children that follow a specific schedule. After the two-week newborn care visit, your newborn should see the pediatrician at one and two months.

During each visit, their pediatrician will evaluate their growth, developmental milestones, and behaviors. If your baby needs routine blood draws, they can also be done in the office. Just like the two-week newborn care visit, every well-child checkup is an opportunity to talk with the pediatrician about baby care and your baby’s health and safety.

Your pediatrician also gives immunizations at the two-month visit to protect your baby from:

• Polio
• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria
• Haemophilus Influenzae
• Pneumococcus

Small doses of the same immunizations are repeated several times over the first 18 months to be sure your infant is fully immunized against contagious diseases.

The Great Destinations Pediatrics team takes an integrative approach to newborn care. They see all babies, including healthy, premature, and sick newborns.

At each appointment, your pediatrician measures your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to track their growth and development. They check vital signs, do a physical exam, and give vaccinations as your baby gets older.

Babies born earlier than 37 weeks into the pregnancy might need additional medical care to give them a strong start in life. If your baby ever seems to be sick, has a fever, or isn’t eating, call the office right away for an appointment.

Newborn care includes supporting new parents. The team at Great Destinations Pediatrics is there to answer your questions about taking care of your baby, breastfeeding, and adjusting to parenthood.

Your baby gets their first wellness check shortly after birth, usually 1-2 days after coming home from the hospital. The pediatricians do a physical exam, observe their behavior, and answer any questions you have. After you take your baby home, it’s important to maintain regular wellness checks during their first few years of life.

The Great Destinations Pediatrics team usually sees babies at the following intervals:

2 weeks

2 months

4 months

6 months

9 months

1 year

15 months

18 months

2 years

2½ years

3 years

Once your child turns 3, they should get a wellness exam once a year. Great Destinations Pediatrics sees patients from birth to age 20. You won’t have to worry about finding a new doctor as your baby grows into childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.

Expectant parents should choose their pediatrician before their baby is born. Many start visiting pediatricians about 1-3 months before their due date. Choosing a pediatrician in the months before your due date ensures continuity of care for your baby, even if they arrive earlier than expected.

Great Destinations Pediatrics offers complimentary prenatal meetings for expecting parents to tour the office and meet the doctors. It’s important to feel comfortable with your baby’s doctor. Visiting pediatricians while you’re still pregnant gives you time to ask questions and complete paperwork before your baby is born.

Nothing is more precious than your baby’s health, and the newborn care team at Great Destinations Pediatrics partners with you each step of the way. Schedule your first appointment online today or call the office to learn more.