Newborn Care
Life is certainly busy for newborns and their parents. In addition to families providing around-the-clock care to infants at home, your doctor will want to keep close tabs on your baby’s progress. That’s because the first two years are a crucial time in a baby’s growth and development – and we want to make sure your child stays on-track as they set out in life! As a result, you will probably spend more time in the pediatrician’s office during the first two years of your baby’s life than you ever will again.
FAQS on Newborn Visits
Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies get checkups at:
- Birth
- 3 to 5 days after birth
- Two weeks after birth
- At the ages of 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months
Visits may become more frequent if we have concerns about your child’s development. Fortunately, when visiting with a Pediatric Care Specialists health care provider, you will always know when you are expected to come back. We will keep track of the schedule for you – you just have to come back for your recommended appointment dates!
- A Physical Exam Will Be Conducted: A physical exam is the cornerstone of any doctor’s visit. These exams give pediatricians a chance to check the infant’s body from head to toe.
- Measurements Will Be Taken: Expect measurements to be taken. We’ll focus on their body weight, length and head circumference. These measurements will be used to help us monitor how well your child is growing – and will help us catch any abnormal delays.
- Feeding Will Be Discussed: Whether baby is breastfed or bottledfed, expect to talk about baby’s feeding patterns and any concerns you may have. Lactation services are also available.
- Development Will Be Checked: Your pediatrician will take time during appointments to evaluate whether or not your baby’s development is on track. They’ll do this by making observations of their behaviors, as well as asking you about any timely milestones they may have hit or missed (i.e. rolling over, sitting up, etc.). Parents are encouraged to bring information and questions to discuss with their pediatrician during appointments, as this can help provide a fuller picture of your child’s growth.
- Behavior Will Be Assessed: To help catch common psychological or behavioral issues, we will ask about your child’s behavior. They’ll also interact with the child and observe their actions and reactions for any red flags.
- Additionally: At some appointments, your pediatrician may also conduct blood tests or may give your child a scheduled vaccine. We will always discuss what is appropriate for your child given their age at your visit.
If you are about to have a baby, all you will need to do is notify the hospital of which pediatrician you’ve chosen. If your baby is born at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center we will see your newborn in the hospital. If you are delivering your baby at another facility, you can call us before you are discharged and set up your first follow up appointment.
Yes! Our pediatricians make hospital rounds on newborn babies every morning at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. They will perform a physical exam and follow your baby up until discharge in the hospital (unless baby needs to go to the NICU or is transferred to another hospital for further medical care). If your baby is born at an outside facility a pediatrician from another practice/hospital will be following your baby up until hospital discharge. After discharge, we will be happy to see you in our office for the first in-office newborn visit after you schedule an appointment.
