Newborn Care
Your Newborn's First Pediatrician Visit: What to Expect
When the first check-up usually happens, what the pediatrician looks at and which signs in a newborn should never wait.
Published 4 min read
- Written by
- GROW Children Hospital Editorial Team
In short
Newborns are usually seen within the first week of life, often two to three days after leaving the maternity hospital. The visit focuses on feeding, weight and jaundice, and gives parents time to ask questions.
When should a newborn first see a pediatrician?
Babies are examined before discharge from the maternity hospital and are generally seen again a few days later. Your pediatrician may suggest an earlier or additional visit if your baby was born early, had a low birth weight, has jaundice or is having difficulty feeding.
What does the pediatrician check?
- Weight, length and head circumference
- Skin colour, looking for jaundice
- Heart, breathing and tummy
- Hips, spine, eyes and reflexes
- The umbilical cord stump
- How feeding is going
Is weight loss in the first days normal?
Yes. Most newborns lose some weight in the first few days and then regain it, commonly returning to birth weight by around two weeks. The pediatrician tracks this closely, which is one reason the early visit matters.
What should I ask?
- Is my baby feeding often enough and getting enough milk?
- How many wet and dirty nappies should I expect each day?
- How should I care for the cord and skin?
- What is a safe way for my baby to sleep?
- Which vaccines are due next?
When should parents seek urgent medical attention?
- Fever, or a baby who feels cold to the touch
- Refusing feeds or feeding much less than usual
- Fast, laboured or noisy breathing
- Unusual sleepiness or floppiness
- Yellow colour that is deepening or spreading to the legs
- Repeated or green vomiting