Preparing for Your Newborn’s First Doctor’s Visit? Read This First.

Having a baby can feel like a rollercoaster ride. The excitement often coexists with the fear and anxiety of having a brand-new human you are fully responsible for. Once the pregnancy is over and you're moving right along on your newest journey, it can all be overwhelming. New moms and dads often walk away from the hospital with a host of questions to ask their pediatrician.

Then, once you get to the first appointment, those questions seem to fly right out of your brain. Your newborn's first doctor's visit can induce nerves that you've never felt before. But don't fret, as a mom of four, I know what you're feeling. I'm practically a pro at this point. Here is what you can expect from your newborn's first doctor's visit.

When Does the First Doctor's Visit Typically Happen?

You may be anxious to get your newborn's first doctor's visit on the books before your baby's even here. However, chances are your baby will make their appearance when they feel like it, and you typically won't schedule their first doctor's visit until they're born.

Now, your pediatrician may make an initial visit while you are still in the hospital with your newest bundle. This visit doesn't last very long and is to check your baby's vitals and overall health. If you and your baby have the same doctor (like I did), they will check on momma too and answer any questions you may have.

The first official doctor's visit for your newborn will happen a few days after they are born, sometimes as soon as you get home, depending on how quickly they can get your appointment scheduled.

What Should You Bring with You?

Before you head out the door to your baby's first doctor's appointment, there are a few things that you may want to bring with you.

• Don't forget your insurance card, this will make checking in go more smoothly.
• Essentials for your baby, including diapers, wipes, and an extra outfit. (Those newborn blowouts are no joke.)
• A log of your feeding schedule.
• Any paperwork from the hospital.
• A blanket.

What Happens Before the Appointment?

The well-check activity begins before you head into that exam room, so it's a good idea to be early. At least 15 minutes early is a good idea. This is because there will be plenty of paperwork to fill out before you are called back, and you'll want to give yourself plenty of time.

This paperwork will cover facts about your pregnancy, delivery, and any medical history or complications that the pediatrician needs to know about. Plus, you may have to take some time to care for your baby, and you don't want to be rushing through the paperwork while trying to simultaneously juggle a newborn. The good news is, if you don't have it done before you are called back, the nurses may allow you to bring the papers back with you.

What Happens During Your Newborn's First Doctor's Visit?

Now, let's get to the nitty gritty: what happens during your newborn's first doctor's visit? My experiences with my babies have all been a bit different. My oldest was a preemie, born at two pounds and 12 ounces, eight weeks early. This meant her first visit out of the NICU was more comprehensive and in depth than my last baby's visit, who was over nine pounds and born full term.

So, it's important to remember that your baby's first well-check may not look exactly like what is laid out here. There are many variables that go into your baby's care. However, whether your baby has special circumstances or they are having a standard well-check, the following events will always happen at these visits.

There Will Be an Initial Exam

One of the first things that will happen is the initial exam. This is where your baby's length, head circumference, and weight will be taken. Often, it will be the nurse who does this part first. They will take notes, and if you have any concerns about these three things, the nurse will write those concerns down to bring up to your baby's doctor.

During the weigh-in, your baby will most likely be naked, in order to get the best and most accurate weight. It's a good idea to bring a clean blanket to lay under and wrap them in after the weigh-in as well as a clean diaper.

There will also be a questionnaire that the nurse will ask you to get a basic understanding of your baby's home life. These questions may include things like, “Who does the baby live with?” “Will they be going to daycare or staying home?” etc.

Here Comes the Doc

Once the doctor comes in, they will go over the growth chart with you and give you information about where your baby falls on it. If they have any concerns, they will discuss it with you.

If your baby happened to lose some ounces from their birth weight, this is not usually cause for concern. It is quite normal for babies to drop a bit of weight right after their birth. The doctor will go over this information with you and talk about any gains or losses.

They will also ask about your baby's sleep schedule, their feeding schedule, and how much they are peeing and pooping. These are questions to get an overall overview of your baby's health, sleeping patterns, and digestive health.

Next, There Will be a Physical Exam

After all the questions from the doctor have been covered, they will do a more in-depth physical exam. This often includes checking their length and head circumference.

Then the doctor will check your baby's head, feeling for their soft spots, or fontanels, and the shape of your baby's head. You may see them rotate your baby's legs and hips, checking for hip dysplasia. Next, your baby's reflexes are checked, including their Moro reflex, or startle reflex. Additionally, your doctor will observe your baby's umbilical cord and share with you the proper way to care for it.

How Long Do Checkups Last?

The average well-check for a newborn lasts about thirty minutes. As long as everything goes smoothly and you and your doctor have no concerns, these visits don't usually last very long.

However, there is no reason to rush the visit either. One of the most important things is that you, as a new parent, feel comfortable and have your questions answered.

Your Doctor Will Leave Time for Questions

Your baby's doctor will leave time for you to ask whatever questions you may have at the end of the visit. New parents typically have a million questions, and then once they walk into the exam room, those questions fly out of their heads.

It can be a good idea to jot down any questions on a piece of paper that you have before the appointment and bring them with you. Here is a list of common questions you may want to ask.

Common Questions You May Want to Ask at Your Baby's Appointment

The following list is not comprehensive, however, these are common questions that new parents often ask and are a good starting point.

• How much spitting up is okay? Or normal?
• How often should you feed your newborn?
• What is the right amount of sleep?
• Should you wake your baby up to feed?
• What are the different types of diaper rashes, and what does a bad one look like?
• Ask about vaccinations.
• What is a normal amount of crying versus abnormal?
• When should you schedule the next appointment?
• How many times should I change my newborn's diaper?

Encouragement for New Parents

Being a new parent can feel overwhelming and scary at times. Sometimes you might feel worried that you're going to mess up this parenting gig. No matter how you're feeling, remember to take a deep breath when you need it. Love your baby and, above all else, remember that you can't spoil a newborn.

That's right, go ahead and pick up your baby as many times as you want. Trust me, it won't spoil them, no matter what Great Aunt Linda says – instead, it'll give them a secure bond with their momma.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©paulaphoto/Shutterstock.com.