First visits to the newborn's pediatrician: What to expect and how to prepare

Your baby's first checkup is an important milestone that occurs shortly after birth. Whether performed in the hospital with a pediatrician or in the primary care doctor's office, this physical exam seeks to detect any early problems, evaluate reflexes, and give parents the opportunity to ask questions. While you don't need to specifically prepare for this visit since you will still be in the hospital, it is a good opportunity to gain peace of mind and begin to build a trusting relationship with the doctor. As the baby grows rapidly in the first days of life, it is valuable to schedule a formal appointment with a doctor soon after to follow his development. Here are some useful tips to prepare and make the most of your baby's first visit to the doctor .

1.Scheduling the baby's first medical appointment

The newborn's first medical appointment should be scheduled between three and five days after birth. This appointment usually takes place in the office of your chosen pediatrician and requires additional preparation compared to the initial examination at the hospital. Depending on the circumstances of the birth and initial health reports, the pediatrician may ask to schedule additional appointments during that first week, especially if the baby is premature, has had jaundice, or other feeding problems.

Since the first days of life are crucial to their health, it is important not to put off scheduling this appointment. It is recommended that one of the things to do before the baby is born is to choose a pediatrician in advance and communicate with him or her about your expected due date.

2.What to expect during your newborn's first medical appointment

It's completely normal for new parents to feel some anxiety before their baby's first checkup. After all, the newborn is fragile and as parents you begin to adapt to its way of moving, sleeping and communicating. Knowing what to expect during this first appointment can help alleviate that anxiety. Learn about the most common tests that the pediatrician will perform during the visit:

- Neck examination: The pediatrician will begin the examination by carefully checking the baby's neck and collarbone for possible fractures or injuries. In the case of a vaginal birth, the baby may have suffered a broken collarbone, so it is important to check this early and make sure it is healing properly. If a fracture or injury to the collarbone is detected, the doctor will provide guidance on how to relieve pain and facilitate recovery.
- Head examination:  After checking the neck and collarbone, the doctor will carefully examine the baby's head for signs of soft fontanels. This head exam is done at every doctor visit during the first two years of your baby's life to make sure that the skull is developing properly and that the cranial sutures are fusing properly. Soft fontanels are normal and play a critical role in the development of a healthy brain. If they close too quickly or abnormally, they may require medical intervention.
- Hip exam: Another test is the hip exam, which allows the doctor to evaluate the baby's healthy bone development. During this exam, the pediatrician will gently manipulate the baby's hips to look for signs of hip dysplasia. Although it may seem uncomfortable, this test is safe, painless, and normal. If any signs of hip dysplasia are detected, early corrective measures can be taken to avoid long-term complications associated with this congenital disorder.
- Evaluation of reflexes: Newborns have innate reflexes that help their development. During the visit, the doctor will stimulate and evaluate the baby's reflexes to make sure they are developing properly. This includes the Moro reflex, which indicates normal neurological development. As the baby grows, the doctor will continue to assess age-appropriate reflexes.
- Pulse assessment: Checking the pulse is a routine part of every medical visit, from birth to later ages. It allows the doctor to detect possible heart problems by evaluating the strength and rhythm of the baby's pulse. This evaluation also provides a basis for comparison for future visits and helps identify any abnormal variations. Early detection of heart problems allows for faster intervention and better long-term health outcomes.
- Evaluation of the genitals: During each visit, the doctor will also check the baby's genitals to make sure they are developing properly. This involves looking for signs of conditions such as undescended testicles in boys or adhesions in female genitalia. These conditions usually resolve on their own over time, but your doctor will need to monitor your progress and provide advice if necessary.
- Evaluation of the umbilical cord: The umbilical cord will remain attached to the baby during the first weeks of life. Before you fall off on your own, an evaluation will be done to check your health and progress. During the first medical appointment, the pediatrician will examine the umbilical cord to make sure everything is in order and offer guidance on how to properly care for it.

During this first appointment, you will also address topics such as the baby's feeding patterns, weight management, and questions about the digestive system. If your baby has any health problems, such as constipation or intestinal problems, don't hesitate to express your concerns during the visit. The pediatrician can also provide guidelines on safe sleep patterns to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

3. Questions to ask the pediatrician

It is normal to have many questions during the first days of your baby's life. Instead of searching for answers on the Internet, it is advisable to write down your questions and ask them directly to the pediatrician. Some helpful questions to ask during your baby's first doctor's appointment might include:

 When should I schedule my baby's vaccines?

How much crying is normal for a newborn?

How do I know if my baby has colic?

How often should I feed my baby?

How do I know if my baby is getting enough food?

Should I wake my baby at night to feed him?

When is my baby expected to sleep through the night?

What are safe sleep patterns for my baby?

How much vomiting is considered normal?

How can I recognize if my baby has moderate or severe diaper rash?

What should I do if my baby has a fever?

How often should I change his diapers?

These are just a few questions to get you started, but feel free to ask as many as you need. Pediatricians are used to answering questions and their goal is to help parents feel confident and comfortable caring for their children.

4. Preparing for your baby's first doctor's appointment

The best way to prepare for your baby's first doctor's appointment is to schedule it and keep track of your baby's habits and patterns during the first few days of life. Keeping a diary with information about your baby's feeding and sleep can be of great help in providing detailed information to the pediatrician. There are numerous mobile applications that make it easy to record and track this data. Be sure to bring your health insurance card and any additional documentation from the hospital with you.

At the end of the visit, schedule follow-up appointments for the baby's first year of life. This will help maintain regular monitoring and avoid forgetfulness. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the pediatrician or schedule additional appointments as needed.

Your baby's first visit to the doctor is an important step in his or her care and development. By being well prepared and asking the right questions, you and your baby will receive the care and attention you need for a healthy, happy start.