For most parents, bringing your baby to their first doctor’s appointment can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, especially if it’s your first time bringing your little one to the doctor. There are so many things to think about and prepare for; you may have questions that need answering and decisions that need making before you head out the door. To help make your visit more enjoyable, we’ve put together a list of what you should bring with you when you go to the doctor with your new baby and how long the appointment will last so you can plan accordingly.
Baby’s first doctor visit
One of your first things to do after you bring your baby home from the hospital is to add them to your insurance. From there, you can choose a pediatrician and make an appointment with them for the baby’s first visit. Some parents like to meet with pediatricians before the baby is born so that they have time to choose one that they are comfortable with or get in with a recommended pediatrician who may be full of patients to get on a waiting list in time. Once the baby is born be sure to schedule their first appointment right away to get on your pediatrician’s calendar.
What to bring
Here is a list of what you should bring with you for your baby’s first doctor’s visit:
- A list of his or her medication
- Your insurance card
- Instructions from previous procedures (if applicable)
- A birth certificate, social security card, or proof of adoption.
- Proof of residency and any current medications that might impact what the doctor prescribes.
- A list of questions to ask and concerns you have regarding care.
- You’ll need to bring a couple of servings of formula if he’s not breastfeeding
- A bottle warmer (if formula fed)
- A pacifier
- A blanket (doctor’s offices can be a bit cool for newborns)
- Diapers and wipes
- A nursing cover for privacy
- A car seat to bring baby in and out of the doctor’s office. Some parents prefer to bring in their baby by placing them in their Ergobaby newborn carrier.
- A change of clothes in case of a blowout
What to expect
Your baby’s first doctor’s appointment will happen at two weeks old. This doctor visit will help you and your doctor gets to know each other and give your baby a healthy start. Baby’s first doctor’s visit is usually just a wellness check if the baby wasn’t born with any concerning conditions. There are many questions you might have, so take notes during your appointment. When you get home, write everything down in detail in a journal. If there were no significant findings on your baby’s first doctor’s visit it is okay if there isn’t much in your journal but having one will make things less overwhelming once it comes time for future appointments.
The visit usually begins by taking the baby’s weight, head circumference, and height. Be sure to dress baby in something easy such as these easy tie knotted gowns to get in and out of for this as nurses usually like to weigh baby without clothing and accessories for a more accurate number. From there, the doctor will perform a physical exam and go over any information you need to know for the baby’s first month.
Conclusion
When it comes time for your baby’s first doctor visit, be sure you have all of these important items ready. Your baby’s first trip to a pediatrician will be fun and scary at the same time. You may not know what questions to ask or what exactly will happen when you get there. But with a little preparation and information, your journey into parenthood can be a little less stressful.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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