Well-Child Visits: What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Now that you’ve had your baby, you naturally want to make sure they stay healthy and well. 

Just three to five days after birth, you should plan to bring your baby in to see us at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA for their first well-child visit. We’re well-child specialists who walk alongside you throughout your child’s health journey, beginning with their first appointment.

Here’s how you can prepare and also know what to expect.

The first steps

When you arrive, you check in and fill out paperwork. This is the foundation of your child’s health journey that we continue to build on with each visit. 

Bring all important documents, such as your driver’s license, insurance card, and hospital documents that include information about your baby’s weight when you were discharged and any other important notes that include details about your baby’s birth.

It’s also good to review your family’s medical history before you come in, so you can answer questions on the forms. This helps us know if your child might have a proclivity toward any unforeseen health issues. 

Bring your questions

One of the first things we want you to know is that we’re here for you. When you have a baby, there is so much to learn. We don’t want you to be overwhelmed, so prepare a list of questions, and we will answer them. We’ll also provide guidance on specific ways to keep your baby happy, content, and developing properly.

We cover topics like how to help your child sleep safely, get plenty of sleep, take note of their motor functions, and learn about a healthy feeding schedule.

The bottom line — we help you feel empowered as a parent, informing you on how to give your baby the best care possible.

The physical evaluation

To check your child’s health, we complete a head-to-toe physical exam. This includes: 

• Weighing them
• Measuring the length and circumference of their head
• Examining their eyes, ears, and mouth
• Checking their pulse and breathing
• Looking for birthmarks or rashes on the skin
• Checking their reflexes
• Gently pressing on their abdomen to check for an umbilical hernia or enlarged organs
• Inspection of their genitalia to check for lumps or infection of any kind

The examination allows us to make sure that they are developing properly. We also keep a growth chart that tracks their development with each visit.

We can also keep your child on track with their vaccination to help them defend themselves against diseases that could be a serious health threat.

If you’re about to bring a baby into your family, or if you’d like to know more about what to expect at your baby’s first wellness visit, reach out to our friendly office staff today. Make an appointment at one of our offices in San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, or Castroville, Texas, or choose our telehealth service as an option.