What is newborn care?
Newborn care is a subspecialty of pediatric medicine for babies who have just been born. To make sure your baby is healthy and growing normally, you should find a doctor you trust and visit 3-5 days after birth, then schedule additional checkups at one, two, four, six, nine, and 12 months for their first year.
At Kid Care Pediatrics, Dr. Goldstein evaluates your baby and can help you navigate new motherhood. He gives you instructions to care for your baby in the months following their birth and can answer all of your questions during their checkups.
What happens at my newborn’s first visit?
You should bring your newborn in for their first checkup within 3-5 days of their birth. When you attend your newborn’s first visit to Kid Care Pediatrics, you should bring along any information about your baby you received at the hospital right after the birth.
Dr. Goldstein reviews the information and might ask questions about your first few days at home. Then, he examines your baby to make sure they’re healthy. The visit includes:
- Length and weight measurements
- Head circumference measurement
- Reflex check
- Vision and hearing check
Once the examination is complete, Dr. Goldstein encourages you to ask questions about your baby’s health and home care. He also discusses your home environment with you to make sure you’re ready for a baby in the home. He advises you against smoking in your house and other habits that could compromise the health of your newborn baby.
Which vaccinations does my newborn need?
Of the many vaccinations available to protect your child against diseases, some need to happen during their first year after birth. A few important vaccinations you should get for your baby within the first few months are:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is the first vaccination your baby gets. They receive the first dose at birth and the second at their two-month appointment.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea. Your newborn needs their first rotavirus vaccine dose at two months, then a second at four months, and a possible third at six months.
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
Your baby needs five doses of this vaccine in total for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. They happen at two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months, and a final dose at 4-6 years old.
Haemophilus influenzae type B
Haemophilus influenzae type B can cause bacterial meningitis. Your baby needs the first dose at two months, a second dose at four months, and a third, in some cases, at six months.
Polio
Your baby’s first polio vaccine dose happens at two months. Then, they get a second at four months, a third at 6-18 months, and a final dose at 4-6 years old.
To find out more about newborn care, book an appointment by phone or online at Kid Care Pediatrics today.