What To Expect During a Newborn Well Child Visit

As a new parent, above all, you want your child to be well and happy. In addition to the tender loving care you give your newborn at home, the support of a pediatrician can help put your mind at ease regarding the child’s health and development. Dr. Farnoush Jamali and Dr. Hanieh Jafarieh at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD, can schedule you for regular well child visit appointments once your baby is born.

What Is a Well Child Visit?

A well-child visit at a pediatrician’s office is preventative medicine for young children. They are routine examinations that allow your doctor to monitor your child’s progress. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests well-care visits beginning at three to five days from birth, then at month 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 during the first year.

Well Child Visits for Newborns

Newborn babies have special needs, being that they are fragile, still developing, and new to the world. Here is what you can expect at a well child visit with your Gaithersburg, MD, pediatrician:

• Visual and physical exam, including checking weight, eyes, and breathing.
• A conversation about normal child development stages.
• Breastfeeding advice and consultation.
• Discussion of vaccination schedules for the child (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations starting at 1 to 2 months)
• Advice about normal bowel movements (including frequency, color, and amount).
• Addressing safety concerns for the baby, including transportation in car seats and environmental factors.

Questions To Ask Your Pediatrician

You may be wondering what questions you should ask at a well care visit for a newborn. You can start here and then develop your own custom list:

• How much milk should the newborn be fed each day, and at what times of day?
• Is the baby crying too much? Should a certain type or frequency of crying raise concerns?
• Is the child getting enough sleep? What are ideal sleeping patterns?
• At what age will the baby start to walk and talk?
• How best should a mother care for her breasts to avoid discomfort when breastfeeding?
• What are the urgent care procedures (such as same day appointments) for a newborn?
• What steps to take to promote healthy physical and mental development (such as bonding exercises and reading to the baby).

Time for a Visit

Even a perfectly healthy and happy baby should have regular well child visits. It’s a way of keeping track of your child’s development and staying ahead of any potential concerns in the future. Call (301) 977-2440 today to schedule a well child visit at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD, with Dr. Farnoush Jamali and Dr. Hanieh Jafarieh.