FAQs about Newborn Child Care

Welcoming a newborn baby into your life is such an exciting time, but there are also many things that need to be done. One of the mostBaby Drinking Milkimportant ways you can care for your newborn is to schedule regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician can monitor your baby’s growth and development and help your child remain as healthy as possible. At Royal Oak Pediatric Associates, Dr. Anita Henley is your pediatrician for newborn care in both Abingdon and Marion, VA.

When should my newborn have his/her first checkup?

Newborn babies born in a hospital will be seen by a pediatrician while still in the hospital. However, it is still important to bring your newborn in for a checkup with the doctor who will be your child’s regular pediatrician within a few days after release from the hospital when your newborn is about three to five days old.

How often should my newborn see the doctor after the first checkup?

Newborns should see their pediatrician regularly during the first few months after birth. Babies grown and develop quickly during this time so it is important to have a pediatrician track your newborn’s growth and development to ensure everything is progressing within the normal range.

Your newborn’s first checkup in Abingdon and Marion, VA, should occur within a few days of leaving the hospital and a follow-up appointment should be scheduled for two weeks from the date of the first checkup. A third checkup should be scheduled for when your newborn reaches two months of age. Your newborn will continue seeing the pediatrician every two to three months up until about 18 months of age, after which time there is usually a longer interval between checkups.

Does my newborn need any vaccinations or immunizations?

Children can be immunized against a large number of deadly diseases thanks to the development of vaccinations. Some vaccinations are administered within the first few months following birth. For instance, the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine can be administered at birth, with a second dose administered at one or two months of age, and a third dose administered several months later.

Royal Oak Pediatric Associates follows the immunization schedule and guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The medical professionals at Royal Oak Pediatric Associates can provide more details about the immunization schedule for your newborn, including what types of vaccinations are needed and when they are administered.

One of the most important things you can do to care for your newborn is to schedule regular pediatric appointments so the doctor can monitor your baby’s health, growth, and development. Your newborn can also receive important vaccinations on schedule during these appointments. To schedule your newborn’s next checkup with Dr. Henley or ask any questions about newborn care, contact Royal Oak Pediatric Associates at (276) 783-8183 for the Marion, VA, office or (276) 525-4603 for the Abingdon, VA, office.