What’s Included in a Newborn Checkup?
Even if it’s not your first rodeo, welcoming a new baby into your family is such an exciting time, and we’re excited to be even a small part of helping you raise a healthy child. But parenthood inevitably comes with lots of questions, especially when you walk into a pediatrician’s office.
That’s where we come in.
Here, Dr. Eiman ElSayed and our team of specialists at Pediatric Care of Four Corners in Davenport, Florida, give you a sneak peek into our newborn care services and what you can expect from your newborn’s checkups.
What happens during a newborn checkup?
The first few days, weeks, and months of your baby’s life are crucial to their growth and development, and newborn checkups help you stay on top of their health and connect with our experts. Here’s a closer look at what happens during a routine newborn checkup.
Basic examination
One of the priorities during a newborn checkup is examining your baby’s physical well-being. We conduct a series of exams to assess your baby’s:
- Eyes
- Heartbeat and pulse
- Umbilical cord
- Anatomy, including hips, back, feet, and neck
- Head circumference
- Weight and length
- Reflexes
- Genitalia
These exams are basic and comprehensive, allowing us to check for certain growth impairments, such as heart defects, hip dysplasia, brain development issues, and fractures. Fortunately, many of the problems we may catch during a newborn checkup are treatable and/or manageable.
Screenings and immunizations
Your baby receives the hepatitis B vaccination shortly after they’re born. We administer other important immunizations, including those for mumps, measles, and whooping cough, during your baby’s subsequent checkups (around two months).
Time for discussion
During your newborn’s checkup, we ask you questions about your baby’s feeding, sleeping, and digestive patterns. We also inquire about how your pregnancy and delivery went, as well as any family history of illnesses.
There’s also time to open up the appointment for discussion. We encourage you to ask questions and bring up any concerns you have. Some of the questions we get most often are:
- How much crying is normal?
- Is my baby’s behavior normal?
- Should their stool look like that?
- What should I know about SIDS?
- How much should I be feeding them?
- How do I bathe my baby?
- Should they be sleeping more? Less?
In our office, no questions are too small or too big, so don’t hesitate to share your concerns.
How you can prepare for a newborn checkup
Here are some things to keep in mind when getting ready for your baby’s appointment.
Bring reinforcements
If possible, we encourage you to bring your partner or another primary caregiver to the appointment with you. Having an extra pair of hands to help you care for your baby can make the appointment go much smoother.
We also find that two people can more effectively remember any advice given and recall questions you may have forgotten. You may also feel more comfortable if you have a support system with you.
Have questions ready
Another great way to prepare for your newborn’s checkup is to write out your questions ahead of time and bring the list with you.
Anticipate some paperwork
Expect to fill out some forms, especially at your baby’s first checkup. Have pertinent documents on hand, such as your insurance card and any information related to your baby’s discharge. It’s also a good idea to include any information about your family’s medical history.
Prepare your baby
Your baby is about to get a full-body examination, so we encourage parents to dress them in simple, comfortable clothing. You may also want to bring a blanket as well as the basics, including diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and feeding supplies.
Have more questions about a newborn checkup? Ready to schedule an appointment for your baby? We’re here to help. Give us a call to request an appointment today.