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Congratulations! We’re excited to help you to welcome your new baby into the world. Our first visit may take place while you’re still in the hospital so please schedule a visit with us before you give birth so we can get to know one another and plan for your special day.
The doctor will give your baby a thorough examination and record information about the birth experience that may be relevant to your child’s health. She will discuss feeding as well as safety issues such as putting your baby to sleep on his or her back, how to avoid potential injuries and things to watch out for.
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The doctor will thoroughly examine your baby and note any changes in the chart. She will discuss feeding, safety and health symptoms to be on the lookout for. During this stage you can expect your baby’s stools to change from black tar color to green to yellow, and by the time your baby is 4-5 days old may pass 3-6 stools per day. You can expect the umbilical cord to fall off within 2-3 weeks and should be left alone unless you see redness, discharge or notice a foul odor. Until it falls off, stick to sponge baths. The doctor will discuss crying, which tends to increase over the first 6-8 weeks of life due to hunger, the need for a diaper change, or perhaps due to a need to be consoled. Remember that baby is making a big adjustment to life outside the womb. Try swaddling, rocking, cuddling and making “shhhhhh” sounds to soothe your baby. If you are unable to do so please call our office.The doctor will also discuss developmental milestones to expect as well as the first immunization if not given at the hospital.
During this visit, the doctor will examine your baby and discuss your feeding schedule. She will make any safety reminders and ask about developmental milestones. Over the next month, your baby will typically show better head control, hold your finger, lift their head slightly when on their tummy, stare briefly at faces, develop different cries for pain, hunger, and tiredness, and calm when swaddled or rocked. Colic can be present during this time period.
The doctor will discuss your immunization schedule as well as check in on how the family is adjusting.
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The doctor will examine your baby and discuss safety, feeding, sleeping, and crying, as well as any developmental milestones. Over the next month, you may notice that your baby smiles at you, turns his or her head toward your voice, follows objects with his or her eyes, and can briefly grasp a rattle. You can help with your baby’s development by talking, reading, and singing, allowing for tummy time, creating a regular bedtime routine, and not letting your baby watch TV.
When your baby is 4 months old, the doctor will perform a thorough examination, discuss safety, sleeping, and nutrition, as well as the next immunizations. At this age, you may notice your baby begin to smile and laugh, babble, drool, show good head control as well as roll over and reach for objects. Continue to encourage tummy time a few times every day, join your baby in both quiet and active play such as playing on the floor with a mobile, and don’t let your baby watch TV.
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At 6 months, the doctor will examine your baby and discuss nutrition in more detail. Start preparing for your baby to crawl so safety will take on a new dimension. Move all cleaners and medications to higher cabinets, secure cabinet doors, and drawers, block off dangerous rooms and stairs with gates, cover electrical outlets, and lower the crib mattress. Don’t use baby walkers that move. The doctor will discuss additional safety precautions, sleep, and immunizations. At this age you may notice your baby copies sounds, starts to recognize their name, feels nervous with strangers, rolls over, and may sit with support by leaning forward on their hands. This is a great age for games like peekaboo and patty-cake. Childproofing and safety. Keep reading to your baby daily and avoid TV.
During the 9-month visit, the doctor will examine your baby and discuss nutrition, safety, immunizations, and development. You may notice your baby begin to sit without support, try to crawl, take steps while holding onto furniture, and understand his or her name, “no” and “bye-bye”. You may hear your baby speak syllables such as “da-da” and “ba-ba” as well as pick up small objects with index finger and thumb, and begin to pull themselves up to stand. Childproofing and safety
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At 12 months the doctor will examine your baby and discuss nutrition, safety, immunizations, and development. Your baby may begin to say one or more meaningful words, copy sounds, point to objects that they want, follow simple directions, look for objects hidden from view, and take steps while holding onto furniture, or possibly even alone with legs wide apart. You can promote their development by continuing to read to them every day, especially board books with large pictures. Childproofing and safety
