Newborn Care
Newborn Care Q & A
What is newborn care?
Newborn care is medical care your new baby receives right after delivery and during the first month of their life. The expert pediatricians at Kids Central Pediatrics love answering questions and providing quality, up-to-date care to babies of all ages, especially newborns.
Which newborn care services are available after delivery?
The Kids Central Pediatrics team meets with you before your baby is born. Right after you deliver your baby they can complete:
- Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
- A physical exam 24 hours after birth
- Newborn screening tests
- Heart rate, breathing, reflex, skin coloration, and muscle tone screening
- Hearing tests
- Vaccines
- Congenital heart disease screening
- Vitamin K shots to prevent bleeding
- Eye drops to prevent infection
- Circumcision
Your pediatrician monitors your newborn’s vital signs and health during your hospital stay.
What happens at follow-up newborn care appointments?
Your pediatrician usually recommends a follow-up appointment for your newborn within three to five days after birth and regularly after that. During newborn care appointments, your doctor again measures your baby’s weight, head circumference, and length. They observe hearing, vision, and reflexes.
Your doctor completes a comprehensive physical exam and asks questions about how well your baby is eating, sleeping, and wetting their diaper. They answer questions you may have along the way and let you know when to schedule the next appointment, which is usually a few weeks later unless you have concerns before that.
When should I call my pediatrician?
In addition to scheduling a well-child visit when your baby is one month old, call your pediatrician if they exhibit one of the following symptoms.
- A fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Eye problems
- Breathing problems
- Nasal congestion
- Very loose or watery stools
- Forceful vomiting
- Dehydration
Signs of dehydration to watch for include dry mouth, a decrease in wet diapers, and being drowsy or extremely sluggish. When in doubt, call your doctor. They can answer questions over the phone and let you know if an appointment is necessary.
Give your newborn the best chance of staying healthy and thriving. Schedule a newborn care appointment with Kids Central Pediatrics over the phone or online today.