Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting and joyous event, but it also comes with its share of responsibilities and important decisions. One critical step is ensuring your newborn receives the best possible medical care. This means knowing when to notify your pediatrician of a new baby so they can start routine check-ups and vaccinations.
But when should you tell your pediatrician about the new arrival? Learn when to notify a pediatrician of your new baby and how our team at Serenity Pediatrics can provide comprehensive care for your little one.
When To Notify Your Pediatrician About Your Baby
The journey to finding the right pediatrician should ideally begin before your baby is born. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends choosing a pediatrician by the third trimester. This gives you ample time to find a board-certified doctor who meets your baby’s needs.
Meet with potential providers during this time and choose a practice that prioritizes evidence-based care and open communication, like Serenity Pediatrics. Also, verify that the pediatrician accepts your insurance to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs during your first visit.
Once your baby is born, it’s time to inform the provider. Here’s when and how to do it:
- Before leaving the hospital. Inform the hospital staff of your chosen pediatrician. They will notify the doctor’s office that your baby has arrived. The pediatrician might visit the hospital to conduct the first check-up and give their first Hepatitis B vaccination.
- First office visit. Schedule your baby’s first office visit within the first week after birth, typically within 2 to 3 days of coming home from the hospital. During this visit, the pediatrician will assess your newborn’s health by checking vital signs and conducting a thorough physical examination.
Routine Check-Ups
After your baby’s initial pediatric visit, routine check-ups support their health and development. These appointments monitor your child’s growth and provide essential vaccinations to safeguard their well-being. Here’s what you can expect at each stage of your child’s early life:
| Age | What to Expect | Why It’s Necessary |
| 1 Month | Check your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference. | Keeps track of your little one’s growth and early health milestones. |
| 2 Months | First set of vaccinations DTaP-HIB-IPV, Rotavirus, Pneumococcal and a hearing test. | Shields your baby from common illnesses and ensures they can hear the world clearly. |
| 4 Months | Second set of vaccinations (Rotavirus, DTaP-HIB-IPV, Pneumococcal), review feeding and sleeping patterns and conduct a physical exam. | Helps ensure your baby is eating well and sleeping soundly. Protects against multiple diseases. |
| 6 Months | Third set of vaccinations (Rotavirus, DTaP-HIB-IPV, Pneumococcal) and a peek at oral health. | Continues to protect against illnesses and checks on baby teeth starting to come in. |
| 9 Months | Developmental screenings and a chat about safety at home. Hepatitis B vaccination. | Checks your baby’s progress and offers tips to keep them safe as they explore more. |
| 12 Months | Vaccinations (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, and the fourth dose of Pneumococcal and Hib), and a wellness check. | Keeps your baby safe from measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis A, and celebrates their first birthday with a health check. |
| 18 Months | Check on language and walking, and may include DTaP vaccination. | Assesses your toddler’s talking and walking and continues protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and hepatitis A. |
| 24 Months | Look at behavioral development and possible lead screening with a potential second dose of Hepatitis A. | Helps ensure your toddler is happy and healthy, checking everything from play habits to environmental safety. |
Common Newborn Concerns
In the first few months of your baby’s life, it’s common to have questions and concerns you’ll want to discuss with your pediatrician. Whether it’s your first child or your third, each baby is unique and may present new challenges. Here are a few common issues you may discuss with your provider at Serenity Pediatrics:
- Feeding issues. Newborns often face difficulties with latching or may not feed as expected, which can be stressful for new parents. Our team can offer guidance on breastfeeding techniques to help your baby get enough nutrition.
- Formula concerns. Choosing a formula can be overwhelming; some babies may experience reactions or intolerance. Our pediatricians can help you find a suitable formula and manage digestive issues.
- Sleep behaviors. If your baby is experiencing disruptions during the night or difficulty settling, our team can provide strategies to improve sleep patterns for the whole family.
- Developmental milestones. Every parent is eager to see their child reach new milestones, but babies develop at their own pace. We track your baby’s progress and provide activities to support their development.
When Your Newborn May Need Immediate Medical Care
Newborns sometimes face health issues requiring immediate support, and recognizing these early signs can give them the necessary medical care. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Persistent, inconsolable crying. If your baby continues to cry non-stop and cannot be soothed, it could indicate colic or an ear infection. We offer after-hours and Saturday appointments so you can get your baby checked quickly.
- Unusual lethargy or unresponsiveness. If you are unable to wake your baby or show extreme listlessness, it can signal an emergency. Our providers are on-call to handle emergencies, ensuring your little one gets prompt attention.
- High fever. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a newborn is concerning. Fever at this stage can be a sign of infection and should be addressed immediately by contacting your pediatrician.
- Difficulty breathing. Urgent signs such as rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, grunting, or a blue tint around the mouth require immediate intervention. Call 911 to get emergency medical help.
- Rash or unusual marks on the skin. If accompanied by fever or behavioral changes, a rash can be a symptom of an infection or allergic reaction that needs quick medical evaluation. Contact Serenity Pediatrics so we can assess the situation, set you up with an appointment, or refer you to a partner hospital in the area.
Start Your Newborn’s Health Journey With Serenity Pediatrics
At Serenity Pediatrics, we combine compassionate, qualified staff, a kid-friendly setting, and board-certified practitioners to offer high-level care tailored to newborns. Our specialties in pediatric health ensure your little one starts on the path to wellness from day one.
Notify our pediatricians of your new baby today! Book a prenatal appointment to prepare for your child’s birth, or schedule their first appointment with our qualified team.