Newborn Checkups

During the newborn period (i.e., the first six weeks of life) it's ideal for you to have your baby examined by a healthcare provider several times. You can discuss when to have your baby's first and subsequent visits with your healthcare provider.

Typically at your baby's first visit, your healthcare provider will ask questions about how well your baby is feeding and whether there are any problems. They may also ask you how often your baby is wetting their diapers and passing stool. Your provider will also complete a physical examination including measuring your baby's weight, length, and head circumference and plotting these measurements against standardized growth charts.

This is also a good time to talk to your provider about your baby's development, feeding, sleeping, and overall health. It may be useful to bring a list of questions with you to your visit, so that you can have all your questions and concerns addressed. For more information on your newborn's checkups, please see the links below.

• Caring for Kids - Your newborn: bringing baby home from the hospital- scroll to subheading "When should I take my baby for a first doctor's visit?"
• Caring for Kids - You and your child's doctor
• Caring for Kids - Schedule of well-child visits