What Is Included in Newborn Care?

Child healthcare with a pediatrician starts very soon after birth, and in many cases, the first doctor’s visit happens just days after leaving the hospital. Some parents may wonder if scheduling ongoing newborn care visits with a pediatrician is necessary. It is highly recommended for several reasons, which you'll fully understand when you talk to a doctor at Clearwater and Westchase Pediatric Care located in Clearwater and Tampa, FL.

What Is Included in Newborn Care?

Newborns and their mothers have special needs that pediatricians can attend to at regular well-care visits. That includes:

• Weight monitoring.
• Feeding and nutritional advice.
• Updated vaccinations.
• Tracking the child's development and growth (including speech, facial expressions, movement, activity level, and senses).
• Addressing breastfeeding concerns for both the mother and baby.

Why Is Newborn Care Necessary?

During the first few weeks and months after birth, a newborn is adjusting to a new environment and growing rapidly in the process. Newborns need vaccinations and constant monitoring to ensure that they are getting the right nutrition, sleep, and attention to thrive. Your Clearwater and Tampa, FL, pediatrician is a reliable support for these needs at newborn care visits. The frequency of visits starts at every month and then proceeds to every two or three months during the first year. If the child has special needs or health conditions, more frequent visits may be needed.

Selecting a Pediatrician for Your Newborn

When you meet the right pediatrician for your newborn, it should feel very comfortable, natural, and relaxed for your whole family. You should feel confident going to your baby's doctor with your questions and concerns in those important young stages after birth. Here are a few tips for choosing a newborn care doctor:

• Schedule an initial visit, preferably a few months before the delivery date, to discuss a range of issues of importance related to the birth and ongoing care.
• If your child has a health condition or developmental challenge, determine the types of specialized care the doctor can provide for newborns.
• Take note of the way your doctor interacts with your new baby and vice versa.
• Find out the schedule and same-day appointment procedure in case you have to bring your child in for an urgent visit.

Let a Pediatrician Help

You don't have to shoulder the care of a newborn on your own. Get ongoing help and support at well-care visits for your baby from an experienced pediatrician at Clearwater and Westchase Pediatric Care. Call (727) 461-1543 or (813) 818-1543 to schedule a newborn care visit at the office in Clearwater or Tampa, FL.