Your baby's first pediatrician visit usually happens within 2-3 days of leaving the hospital. If you're feeling nervous, that's completely normal. Here's everything you need to know to walk in prepared and confident.
When Is the First Visit?
Most pediatricians want to see newborns:
- 24-48 hours after hospital discharge for vaginal births
- 48-72 hours after discharge for C-section births
- Sooner if there are any concerns (jaundice, feeding issues, weight loss)
This early visit is important to check that baby is adjusting well to life outside the womb.
What Happens at the Visit
Weight Check
This is the main event. Babies typically:
- Lose 5-10% of birth weight in the first few days
- Return to birth weight by 10-14 days
- Gain 5-7 oz per week after that
Your pediatrician will weigh your baby naked and compare it to their birth weight.
Physical Examination
The doctor will check:
- Head: Fontanelles (soft spots), shape, circumference
- Eyes: Checking for red reflex, signs of infection
- Ears: Structure and response to sound
- Mouth: Palate, tongue (checking for tongue-tie)
- Heart: Listening for murmurs
- Lungs: Clear breathing sounds
- Belly: Checking organs, umbilical cord stump
- Hips: Testing for hip dysplasia
- Genitals: Normal development, circumcision healing (if applicable)
- Skin: Jaundice, rashes, birthmarks
- Reflexes: Moro, rooting, grasp reflexes
Feeding Assessment
Be ready to discuss:
- How often baby is eating
- How long each feeding takes
- Breastfeeding: Which breast, any latch issues
- Formula: How many ounces per feeding
- Any concerns (pain, baby seems unsatisfied)
Diaper Discussion
Your doctor will ask about:
- Number of wet diapers per day
- Number of dirty diapers per day
- Color and consistency of poop
Pro tip: Track feedings and diapers for a few days before the visit. When the doctor asks "How many wet diapers yesterday?" you'll know exactly.
Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician
Don't be shy—write these down and bring them with you:
Feeding Questions
- Is my baby getting enough milk?
- How do I know when baby is full?
- When should I start pumping? (if breastfeeding)
- Is it okay to give a pacifier?
- How do I know if baby has reflux?
Sleep Questions
- Where should baby sleep?
- Is it safe for baby to sleep in a swing/car seat?
- How long can baby sleep without eating?
- When can we start a bedtime routine?
Health Questions
- Is this [specific thing] normal?
- What should I do if baby gets a fever?
- When should I call vs. go to urgent care vs. ER?
- Do you have after-hours support?
Practical Questions
- When is the next appointment?
- What vaccines are coming up?
- How do I schedule sick visits?
- Who should I call with questions?
How to Prepare
The Night Before
- Write down your questions
- Pack the diaper bag (extra diapers, wipes, change of clothes)
- Charge your phone
- Review your feeding/diaper notes
- Get baby's outfit ready (easy to remove)
What to Bring
- Insurance cards
- Hospital discharge papers
- List of questions
- Feeding/diaper log (or your tracking app)
- Your own water and snacks (appointments can run long)
- Pacifier if baby uses one
- Extra outfit for baby
- Blanket
Day of the Visit
- Feed baby right before leaving (a full baby is a happy baby)
- Dress baby in easy-on, easy-off clothes
- Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork
- Bring a support person if possible
Red Flags to Mention
Always tell your pediatrician if you've noticed:
- Baby isn't waking to eat
- Fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual crying or fussiness
- Feeding problems
- Anything that worries you
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, speak up.
What About Your Recovery?
Good pediatricians know that a healthy mom means a healthy baby. Don't be surprised if they ask about:
- How you're feeling physically
- Your emotional state
- Signs of postpartum depression
- Your support system at home
Be honest. If you're struggling, this is a safe place to say so.
After the Visit
Next Appointments
Typical newborn visit schedule:
- 1 week: Weight check, jaundice follow-up
- 2 weeks: Weight and feeding assessment
- 1 month: Full checkup, growth tracking
- 2 months: Checkup + first vaccines
Between Visits
Know how to reach your pediatrician for:
- Urgent questions
- After-hours concerns
- Prescription refills
- General questions (many have nurse lines)
Tips From Experienced Parents
"Don't worry if you cry at the first appointment. Hormones are wild, sleep deprivation is real, and it's emotional seeing your tiny baby being examined. The staff has seen it all." — Sarah, mom of two
"Bring someone with you if you can. They can hold the baby while you talk to the doctor, and two sets of ears remember more than one." — Marcus, first-time dad
"Write everything down or you WILL forget. I thought I'd remember what the doctor said about feeding, but by the time I got home, it was all a blur." — Jennifer, mom of three
The Bottom Line
Your first pediatrician visit is really about three things:
- Making sure baby is healthy
- Answering your questions
- Building a relationship with your baby's doctor
Come prepared, ask your questions, and remember—no question is too small or silly. You're learning, and that's exactly what these visits are for.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your pediatrician's specific guidance for your baby.