A Breakdown of Your Baby's First Visits to the Doctor

You learn numerous routines as a new parent, many revolving around your baby’s need to nap, eat, nap, and eat some more. Of course, there are also diaper changes, cuddle time, and weekly and then monthly visits with the pediatrician. Wait — weekly doctor visits?

Phani Bodavula, MD, FAAP, and our team here at Garland Pediatric Practice in Garland, Texas, are always excited to welcome newborns and their parents to our practice. 

Other than providing an opportunity to meet you and your newest family member, newborn visits are essential to your baby’s health and well-being. 

These routine visits are also perfect for asking questions about napping, feeding, tummy time, and other new parent concerns. 

Read more from our team about what to expect from office visits during your baby’s first year.

What happens during newborn care visits?

Your newborn’s first office visit should occur within 3-5 days of birth. Thus, Dr. Bodavula recommends scheduling the visit shortly after delivery. After that, he recommends weekly office visits until your child is 2-3 weeks old to ensure your baby is doing well.

These newborn visits include:

Physical exam

Dr. Bodavula conducts a thorough physical examination during each visit, assessing your baby's length, head circumference, reflexes, heart rate, breathing, and overall appearance.

Feeding and weight evaluation

A weight and feeding assessment is also crucial during these early visits since weight gain or loss is a key indicator of overall health. Dr. Bodavula also addresses feeding habits such as timing, how much formula your baby takes, or how breastfeeding is going for you and your baby.

General health and development monitoring

During newborn screenings, Dr. Bodavula monitors your baby’s reflexes, vision, hearing, and other developmental indicators. In addition, he inquires about symptoms or issues you may have noticed, such as jaundice, colic, or sleeping patterns.

At Garland Pediatric Practice, we also ensure parents have ample time to ask questions, express concerns, or simply brag about their newest family member during newborn visits.

What can you expect after newborn care?

After the newborn phase, well-child visits through the first year generally occur at one month, two months, four months, six months, and nine months.

Along with a thorough physical exam, these visits focus on:

• A growth evaluation
• Immunizations
• Parental concerns
• Developmental milestones
• Nutrition and transitioning to solid foods
• Safety as your baby becomes more mobile

Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure your child grows and develops as expected. That’s also important to ensure your child receives preventive vaccines as necessary. 

We know childhood immunizations are sometimes a concern for parents, and we’re always happy to discuss their efficacy and safety.

How often should you schedule well-child visits after the first year?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a well-child visit at 18 months and 30 months and then annually after that. However, your child needs immunizations in addition to these visits, e.g., DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis booster) at 15 months.

Older children and adolescents may also require sports exams or other evaluations to qualify for extracurricular activities. And, of course, we’re available to see your child for acute illnesses like the flu, medical management of chronic ailments like asthma, or anytime you have concerns.

Schedule a visit at Garland Pediatric Practice today for outstanding pediatric services from newborn through adolescence. Call our office or request an appointment online.