What to Expect at Your Newborn's First Pediatrician Visit

You've made it home from the hospital with your new baby — congratulations! Within the next few days, you'll be heading to your pediatrician's office for your newborn's very first visit. If you're wondering what to expect, you're not alone. Here's a complete rundown of what happens and how to make the most of this important appointment.

When Should the First Visit Happen?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns see their pediatrician within 3-5 days after hospital discharge. If your baby was discharged before 48 hours of age, the visit should happen within 48 hours of going home.

Call your pediatrician's office to schedule this appointment before you leave the hospital, or have your partner call while you're still recovering. If you completed a prenatal visit, the office may already have your appointment ready to go.

What to Bring

Pack these items for the visit:

• Insurance card — Your baby is covered under the birth parent's plan for the first 30 days
• Hospital discharge papers — Including any test results, birth weight, and feeding records
• Diaper bag essentials — Extra diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a feeding supply (bottle or nursing cover)
• Your questions — Write them down! Sleep-deprived brains forget, and no question is too small
• Car seat — Your baby must ride in a rear-facing car seat (your pediatrician can check the fit)

What Happens During the Visit

Weight Check

This is one of the most important parts of the first visit. It's normal for newborns to lose up to 7-10% of their birth weight in the first few days. Your pediatrician will check that your baby is starting to regain weight, which typically begins around day 4-5.

Physical Examination

The doctor will do a complete head-to-toe exam, checking:

• Head shape and fontanelle (soft spot)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Heart and lungs
• Abdomen and umbilical cord stump
• Hips for proper development
• Skin color (checking for jaundice)
• Reflexes and muscle tone

Jaundice Screening

Your pediatrician will check for signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Mild jaundice is very common in newborns and usually resolves on its own, but higher levels may need monitoring or treatment. A simple skin or blood test can measure bilirubin levels.

Feeding Assessment

Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination, your pediatrician will ask detailed questions about how feeding is going:

• How often is baby eating? (Every 2-3 hours is typical)
• How long are feeding sessions?
• How many wet and dirty diapers per day?
• Any pain or difficulty with latch (for breastfeeding)?

Don't hesitate to mention any challenges. Feeding struggles are extremely common in the first week, and your pediatrician or their team can provide guidance or connect you with lactation support.

Newborn Screening Follow-Up

Your baby had blood tests done at the hospital (the newborn screening or "heel prick" test). Your pediatrician will confirm these results were received and follow up on anything that needs attention. In New Jersey, this screening tests for over 50 conditions.

Questions Your Pediatrician May Ask You

Be prepared to answer questions about:

• How the delivery went (vaginal vs. cesarean, any complications)
• Baby's sleeping patterns and positions
• Number of wet and dirty diapers in 24 hours
• How you (the parents) are doing emotionally and physically
• Who is helping at home

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

This visit is for you too. Here are helpful questions to bring:

• Is my baby gaining weight appropriately?
• Am I feeding enough? Too much?
• When is the next appointment?
• What are the warning signs I should call about?
• Is it safe for visitors to hold the baby?
• When can we take baby out in public?
• What's normal for sleeping at this age?

After the Visit

Your pediatrician will schedule the next visit (typically at 2 weeks) and let you know what to expect going forward. In the first year, your baby will have frequent checkups — at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months — along with vaccinations at many of these visits.

Between visits, don't hesitate to call the office with questions. Good pediatric practices encourage parents to reach out rather than worry at home. There's no such thing as a question too small when it comes to your newborn.