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First newborn checkup
newborn checkup · first pediatrician visit · newborn home visit · baby's first doctor visit
A pediatrician and nurse examine your baby in the first days after you leave the maternity hospital. They often come to your home.
For all newborns after discharge from the maternity hospital.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Documents. Keep the hospital discharge papers and your baby's documents at hand.
- Questions. Write down questions about feeding, sleep, and bathing so you do not forget.
- Space. Prepare a changing table or a clean surface where your baby can be examined.
What to bring
- The hospital discharge papers
- Your baby's documents
- Your list of questions
How it goes
- The doctor asks about the birth and how you both are
- The skin, head, eyes, and cord stump are checked
- The doctor listens to the heart and lungs and checks reflexes
- Feeding is observed, and the doctor helps if needed
- Care and warning signs are explained
- The next visit is set
What you'll feel
- Your baby may cry when undressed. That is normal
- The exam is painless
Afterwards
- The next checkup is usually at 1 month
- Care for the cord stump as the doctor showed you
- Call the clinic whenever you are unsure
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your baby is floppy, feeds poorly, or does not wake for feeds: call emergency services
- A temperature over 38°C (100.4°F), or cold, pale skin: call emergency services
- Jaundice gets worse, or the skin is yellow down to the legs
- The cord stump is red, oozing, or smells bad
Common questions
Is it normal for my baby to look a little yellow?
Mild yellowing in the first days is common. Show it to the doctor, who will say if it needs checking.
How often should I feed?
Usually on demand, often 8 to 12 times a day. The doctor will check that your baby is getting enough.