Your baby’s first year is full of milestones, and regular check-ups are one of the best ways to make sure your little one is growing and developing on track. Here is what to expect from newborn and well-child visits during the first year, based on the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Before Your Baby Arrives: The Prenatal Visit
Many parents meet their pediatrician before the baby is born. A prenatal visit is a chance to ask questions about feeding, sleep, and newborn care, and to get to know the office before your first appointment. At BrightKids Pediatrics, we welcome expecting parents for prenatal visits.
Well-Child Visit Schedule for the First Year
- 3 to 5 days old: the first newborn visit, usually within a few days of leaving the hospital
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
After the first birthday, visits continue at 15, 18, 24, and 30 months, then once a year starting at age 3.
What Happens at the First Newborn Visit
The first visit is one of the most important. Your pediatrician will:
- Check your baby’s weight to make sure feeding is going well (most babies lose a little weight after birth and regain it within about two weeks)
- Look for signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Do a full physical exam, including the heart, hips, eyes, and umbilical cord
- Review newborn screening and hearing test results from the hospital
- Answer your questions about feeding, sleep, crying, and safe sleep
What Happens at Every Well-Child Visit
- Growth: measuring weight, length, and head size and tracking them on a growth chart
- Development: checking milestones such as smiling, rolling, sitting, babbling, and crawling
- Physical exam: a head-to-toe check
- Vaccines: many visits include recommended immunizations to protect your baby from serious diseases. We will review the schedule with you at each visit
- Guidance: tips on feeding, sleep, safety, and what to expect before the next visit
Tips for Getting the Most From Each Visit
- Write down your questions ahead of time, no question is too small
- Bring your baby’s vaccine record if you have one
- Keep notes on feeding, sleep, and diapers during the newborn weeks
- Tell us about any changes at home, such as new caregivers or daycare
When to Call Between Visits
You do not have to wait for a scheduled check-up if something seems off. Call us if your baby is feeding poorly, has fewer wet diapers, seems unusually sleepy or fussy, or looks more yellow. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, seek emergency care right away.
Newborn Care in McKinney, TX
BrightKids Pediatrics provides newborn and well-child care for families in McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, and Allen. To schedule your baby’s first visit or a prenatal meet-and-greet, call (972) 532-0535 or contact us online.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.