Contractions begin, labor progresses and then you meet this beautiful new human that you helped to create but then you begin wondering well now what and who do I ask my questions to about the baby’s growth and development? Village Pediatrics can help give you some guidance on when to schedule your well baby appointments and detailing what to expect at those visits.
Taking your baby home for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, exciting and also tiring so the first step is to notifying your primary care provider (PCP) soon after your baby’s arrival. PCPs often want to see your bundles of joy 2-3 days after the baby is discharged from the birthing facility. If at the first visit things are going well with feeding, weight gain and the baby’s overall health the next appointment is usually at 2 weeks of age. The next routine well baby visits are at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age and of course the need may arise to bring in your child for a concern or illness in between.
Newborn check
The biggest concern for your baby at this visit is weight loss (yep, most babies lose 5-10% of their birth weight in their first 2 weeks), feeding issues are addressed if needed and skin color is assessed for the level of yellow discoloration or jaundice. Breast feeding or formula are discussed and jaundice is watched closely. Some jaundice is normal but bright yellow discoloration the travels below the level of the newborn’s belly button can be dangerous and your baby’s health professional should be alerted promptly.
2 week visit
The goal of this visit is to see that your baby is back to or past their birth weight. Feeding is discussed again and any issues are addressed. Health care providers are also looking for some developmental markers such as a bit stronger neck and watching that the newborn is lifting their heads better than at birth.
2 month visit
This visit typically marks the beginning of the first major vaccinations that your baby will receive. (Some baby’s get a birth vaccine as well) It is also important to assess head size, growth and developmental milestones such as smiling in response to parental cues. Your PCPs will educate you on what to expect from the immunizations and also what to expect with your infant’s coming months.
4 and 6 month visits
The main focus at these well baby visits are to assess growth, to monitor gross motor development and to discuss sleeping patterns. At 6 months we discuss the addition of solid foods and how to implement that for your baby. The next sets of shots are given at these appointments as well.
9 months
Most babies don’t receive routine vaccines at this visit but the visit can be used for catch up vaccines as needed. At this appointment PCPs often take a very small drop of your baby’s blood from their toe to test it for anemia or low iron levels. They may recommend iron vitamins if iron levels are low. We continue to monitor your baby’s growth, their developmental progress in gross, fine and language areas, as well as eating habits.
12 months
A core focus of this visit is development. Pediatric providers are still looking at growth patterns, eating habits and tone but our main focus is on the exciting milestones occurring with your baby. Most baby’s can say a few words, are close to or are already walking and also starting to exude independence with eating and doing things themselves. At this visit your child will receive their next scheduled vaccines as well.
The first year goes by so quickly. It is busy, tiring but also so rewarding to see your child grow and attain so many more skills! It is important to have a pediatric professional that you trust and feel comfortable asking questions to in order to provide the best care and experiences for you and your child.
Having a great relationship with your child’s PCP helps you and your child feel safe as you embark on this beautiful and messy journey of parenthood. Congratulations, you are going to do great!
Find out more about Village Pediatrics at www.villagepediatrics.biz
