Are you wondering what to expect on your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician? The first visit is generally three or five days after the birth of the baby. So, you might want to research Jacksonville pediatricians beforehand and find an experienced one in your area. The purpose of the pediatrician visit is to make sure that everything is alright with the baby health-wise.

What to expect on your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician

Most Jacksonville pediatricians clinics will allot 25 to 30 minutes for the first visit with your baby. Here is what you can expect:

• After you arrive at the pediatrician’s clinic, you will have to fill out paperwork. You will need to provide insurance information and information about your hospital stay (if you are the mother), the baby’s weight when discharged from the hospital, and your and your family’s medical history.

• When you meet the pediatrician, they will review your hospital stay records and inquire about any issues that cropped up during the pregnancy or the birth. The pediatrician will direct the nurse to weigh the baby naked on a weighing scale. The baby may weigh less than the weight recorded at the hospital. As already mentioned, this is normal. Babies tend to lose about 10% of their body weight in the days following their birth but usually regain it soon. The nurse will also check the baby’s limbs and measure the baby’s head circumference.

• The pediatrician will then examine the baby physically and inquire about the baby’s feeding, elimination, and sleeping patterns. You can give them general information about when the baby breastfeeds and for how long. If you are bottle-feeding the baby, you can inform the pediatrician about the formula you have been using and how much the baby eats. You can mention how often you change the baby and the color and consistency of the stools. It is also necessary to tell them where the baby sleeps and how long to make sure that you are following safe practices.

• Once the pediatrician has finished examining the baby and ascertained that everything is as it should be, you can ask about any other concerns you might have. If you are not sure you will remember everything, take notes. Ask about what do expect development-wise in the coming days or weeks. You can also inquire when you can schedule the next appointment.

Generally, all Jacksonville pediatricians may ask you to bring your baby for at least six wellness checkups in the first year. After visiting when the baby is a newborn, you can next visit when the baby is one month old, two months old, four months old, nine months old, and 12 months old. Even if the frequency of visits may seem excessive, they may be necessary to ensure that your baby has a normal development for the age range.

Tips for making the most out of the pediatrician visit

The following tips may help to facilitate your visits with all Jacksonville pediatricians:

• When scheduling the first visit to the pediatrician, try to get an appointment when the practice is less busy. The clinic will not be as crowded then, and you will not have to wait long in the waiting room before you can see the pediatrician. Additionally, since there are likely to be few people in the waiting room, you will not have to worry about exposing your newborn to any infections.

• Since the pediatrician will need to do a physical examination, dress the baby in loose clothes that are easy to remove. It is a good idea to take with you a clothing change, extra diapers, napkins, and other necessities. You might need them for the baby while you are at the clinic.

• It is advisable to bring your partner or another person with you for the duration of the visit. They can hold the baby while you fill the paperwork or fill it on your behalf. You will also find it more effective to have another person with you when the pediatrician examines the baby. They can remind you of any questions you might forget to ask, and they will also help you later to remember the medical instructions and advice.