Newborn Care

How soon should my baby see a pediatrician after birth?

You should bring your baby to AAA Pediatrics as soon as you return home from the hospital after birth or within your baby’s first week of life. The team offers flexible scheduling, so you and your baby can be seen as soon as possible for a thorough exam and discussion of basic newborn care.

Your pediatrician reviews your baby’s medical records from birth, including his or her height, weight, and any test results you may have, like a hearing screening or blood test. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of any questions you have to ask the team.

What types of tests do pediatricians perform on newborns?

In addition to the standard screening procedures your baby received at the hospital for hearing, heart and lung function, and blood type, your pediatrician performs additional tests. These tests involve determining where your child’s height, weight, and head circumference are located on a growth chart, how your child’s eyes move and focus on light, and your baby’s muscle tone and movements.

All of these tests are painless and can be performed in a few minutes. Before the team weighs your baby, you need to remove all of the baby’s clothing including the diaper to get an accurate weight. Your pediatrician also presses on your baby’s stomach and chest gently to feel the organs and check for possible swelling or signs of discomfort.

If your baby is a boy and was circumcised while in the hospital, your pediatrician removes the dressings around the penis to gently and carefully inspect the area for signs of healing or irritation. Once your baby has been weighed and examined, you can put their clothes back on to keep them warm.

How can a pediatrician help my newborn with eating or sleeping?

The team provides expert guidance regarding normal newborn eating and sleeping patterns, so you can understand your baby’s needs for proper growth and development. For mothers who choose to breastfeed, the team can provide referrals to lactation consultants and support through La Leche League. For families who choose to use formula, the team can help you determine which formula is right for your baby.

The team also educates you about safe sleep practices to prevent SIDS, suffocation, and entanglement. Resources are available if you have additional questions.

To schedule a newborn exam, call AAA Pediatrics, or book online now.