Welcoming a newborn into your family is a life-changing experience. Along with the joy of a baby comes many questions, especially about the newborn’s health and well-being. At our pediatric practice in The Woodlands and Spring, TX, our board-certified pediatricians help families care for their newborns. The following guide includes questions to ask your pediatrician during a newborn wellness visit, ensuring your child receives the highest quality care.
Why Does My Newborn Need to See a Pediatrician?
Seeing a pediatrician soon after birth is crucial for several reasons, including the following.
Health Monitoring
The pediatrician will check your baby’s overall health, growth, and development to ensure all is well physically and developmentally.
Vaccinations
Your baby will receive important vaccinations to protect against a number of communicable diseases, such as hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria and more. Your newborn doctor in The Woodlands, TX, follows the vaccination schedule published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
We believe that routine childhood vaccines protect your baby from contagious diseases and serious health complications. They also protect the family, schools, and community from illness as well.
While there can be mild side effects from these medications – like fever, fussiness, and injection site soreness – serious problems are very rare. We believe today’s immunizations are thoroughly tested, safe, and beneficial for babies, children, and teens alike.
Parental Guidance
The newborn visit is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on caring for your newborn.
What Happens at a Newborn Visit?
During your newborn’s first visit to the pediatrician, you can expect the following.
Physical Examination
The pediatrician will perform a comprehensive physical exam to check your baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and overall physical health. Your child’s doctor will assess the newborn’s hearing and vision, too.
Physical Measurements
Your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference will be measured to monitor growth.
Developmental Screening
The pediatrician will assess your baby’s developmental milestones. Your child’s doctor will also provide insights into what to expect in the coming weeks and months. As time goes on, your child/s doctor will look at when your baby:
- Smiles
- Babbles
- Sits up
- Rolls over
- Uses his or her legs and arms
- Has proper reflexes
- Has appropriate muscle tone and skin integrity
- Crawls
- Walks
Vaccinations
Right after birth, it is likely your child will get a vaccination for hepatitis B. This is typically recommended by pediatricians who follow the American Association of Pediatrics, like Northwoods Pediatric Center.
Feeding and Sleep Guidance
The pediatrician will discuss your baby’s feeding patterns and sleep routines to ensure he or she is getting needed nourishment and rest.
What Questions Should I Ask My Pediatrician at a Newborn Visit?
It is natural to have many questions about your newborn’s care and our professional team wants to answer them thoroughly. Here are some essential questions to consider asking during your visit with us.
- How much should my baby sleep?
- How often should the baby breastfeed or bottle feed? Should I feed only on demand?
- Do I need to give my baby vitamins?
- My baby cries a lot in the evening. Is this normal? How can I soothe the baby?
- When should I call you about a fever, vomiting, rash, excessive crying, or other symptoms?
- What can I do about sibling rivalry and jealousy?
- Where can I find good childcare?
- What vaccines will my baby receive and when?
- When should I begin regularly giving my baby a bath?
- How many diapers a day will my baby wet? How many bowel movements can I expect, and what should they look like?
- Should I use a pacifier? Are white noise machines helpful at night?
Newborn Doctors Who Care in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, our four board-certified pediatricians and their support staff love helping families care for their newborns. We want your baby to grow and develop in a healthy way through the first year, early childhood, and beyond. Pediatric care is all we do, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your baby.
Here is what one of our valued parents has to say about our practice:
“I have been coming to Northwoods Pediatric for over 14 years. They have always taken the time to ensure my children’s health. They take the time to explain anything I do not understand. I highly recommend this staff of doctors to all parents.”
To arrange your newborn visit, call Northwoods Pediatric Center at (281) 296-7770, or request your visit online. We look forward to meeting your baby and talking with you about all the health and wellness needs babies have.
