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Well Child Visit for Newborns

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.

What is a well child visit?

A well child visit is when your child sees a pediatrician to prevent health problems. Well child visits are used to track your child's growth and development. It is also a time for you to ask questions and to get information on how to keep your child safe. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them. Your child should have regular well child visits from birth to 17 years.

What development milestones may my newborn reach?

What can I do when my baby cries?

These actions may help calm your baby when he or she cries:

What do I need to know about feeding my newborn?

The following are general guidelines. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about feeding your newborn:

What do I need to know about breastfeeding my newborn?

How do I help my baby latch on correctly?

Help your baby move his or her head to reach your breast. Hold the nape of his or her neck to help him or her latch onto your breast. Touch his or her top lip with your nipple and wait for him or her to open his or her mouth wide. Your baby's lower lip and chin should touch the areola (dark area around the nipple) first. Help him or her get as much of the areola in his or her mouth as possible. You should feel as if your baby will not separate from your breast easily. A correct latch helps your baby get the right amount of milk at each feeding. Allow your baby to breastfeed for as long as he or she is able.

Correct Latch-on Breastfeeding

How do I know if my baby is latched on correctly?

What do I need to know about feeding my baby formula?

How do I burp my newborn?

Burp your newborn when you switch breasts or after every 2 to 3 ounces from a bottle. Burp him or her again when he or she is finished eating. Your newborn may spit up when he or she burps. This is normal. Hold your baby in any of the following positions to help him or her burp:

How should I lay my newborn down to sleep?

It is very important to lay your newborn down to sleep in safe surroundings. This can greatly reduce his or her risk for SIDS. Tell grandparents, babysitters, and anyone else who cares for your newborn the following rules:

What can I do to keep my newborn safe?

What can I do to care for my newborn's skin?

How should I clean my newborn's eyes and nose?

What can I do to prevent my newborn from getting sick?

What can I do to care for myself and my family?

What do I need to know about my newborn's next well child visit?

Your newborn's pediatrician will tell you when to bring him or her in again. The next well child visit is usually at 1 or 2 weeks. Contact your newborn's pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's health or care before the next visit. Your newborn may need vaccines at the next well child visit. Your provider will tell you which vaccines your newborn needs and when he or she should get them.

Recommended Immunization Schedule 2022

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your baby's care. Learn about your baby's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your baby's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your baby. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.