Your Baby’s First Visit

to Focus Pediatrics

Your baby’s first pediatric visit is an important milestone and a great opportunity to ensure your newborn is healthy and thriving.

At Focus Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive care tailored to meet the unique needs of your newborn during this crucial time.

When Should the First Visit Happen?

We recommend scheduling your baby’s first checkup within 3–5 days after birth. This visit allows us to assess your baby’s growth, monitor any newborn concerns, and answer any questions you might have.

What to Expect During the First Newborn Visit

Your baby’s first visit will be a comprehensive evaluation to ensure they are off to a healthy start. During this appointment, we will:

  • Measure Growth: Check your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to ensure they are growing appropriately.
  • Physical Exam: Perform a thorough physical examination, including heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, eyes, and reflexes.
  • Feeding Assessment: Discuss feeding habits (breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination) and offer guidance if you’re experiencing any difficulties.
  • Sleep Patterns: Talk about typical newborn sleep patterns and how to establish a healthy sleep routine.
  • Jaundice Check: Evaluate your baby for signs of jaundice and recommend any necessary treatment.
  • Newborn Screening Review: Go over the results of any newborn screenings conducted at the hospital.
  • Vaccinations: Begin the recommended vaccination schedule, starting with the Hepatitis B vaccine if it wasn’t administered at the hospital.
doctor checking a baby's weight

Tips for Your First Visit

To make your first visit as smooth as possible, here’s what you can do to prepare:

  • Bring your baby’s hospital discharge papers.
  • Have feeding and diaper logs (if available) to share any feeding or stool patterns you’ve noticed.
  • Write down any questions you have about your newborn’s health, feeding, or behavior.
  • Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a blanket to keep your baby comfortable during the appointment.

Common Topics During the First Visit

We understand that new parents often have many questions during the first few weeks. During your baby’s first visit, we can discuss:

  • Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Support
  • Sleeping and Swaddling Techniques
  • Cord Care and Bathing Tips
  • Normal Newborn Behaviors (crying, hiccups, etc.)
  • Safe Sleep Practices

Follow-Up Appointments

After the initial visit, we’ll guide you through the recommended schedule of well-child visits to ensure your baby continues to grow and develop as expected. These include checkups at:

  • 1 week after initial visit 
  • 1 month
  • 2 months (for the first round of vaccinations)

Schedule Your Baby’s First Appointment

If you haven’t scheduled your newborn’s first visit yet, call us at 470-99-FOCUS (470-993-6287) or Schedule Online Here. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one to Focus Pediatrics!