How often should my newborn come for a check-up?
No two babies are exactly alike, but the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends newborns receive a checkup at birth, 3-5 days after delivery, and then again at one, two, four, nine, and 12 months. More frequent appointments may be necessary if your baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition. At Smyrna Pediatrics, we can develop a newborn care schedule to meet your child’s needs.
How often should I feed my newborn?
Newborns have very small stomachs, usually requiring feedings every three hours. As your baby gets older, the time between feedings may increase. However, expect frequent meals for the first three months of life. If you have any questions about your son or daughter’s feeding habits, don’t hesitate to bring them up to our team of experts.
When should I call my pediatrician?
Many newborns cry and fuss, but this isn’t always a sign of a severe health problem. However, you should make a newborn care appointment with our office if your child experiences persistent cold symptoms, rash, yellow color in skin or eyes, frequent diarrhea or vomiting, or other unusual symptoms. Additionally, if your child refuses to eat more than once or twice daily, we recommend scheduling an appointment at Smyrna Pediatrics.