The first well-baby visit happens within days of coming home. Here's what gets checked, what questions to prepare, and how to find a pediatrician before your due date.
matrea editorial team
Women's Health Editors
Most new parents are so focused on labor and delivery that the pediatrician search gets pushed to the third trimester — or later. But choosing a pediatrician before your baby arrives means the practice is already familiar with your family when that first visit happens, typically within 3–5 days of discharge.
When is the first visit?
For healthy full-term newborns, the first pediatric visit is typically scheduled within 3–5 days of birth — primarily to check weight, assess jaundice, and make sure feeding is going well.
What gets evaluated?
Weight, length, and head circumference. Feeding frequency, duration, and output. Jaundice. Umbilical cord healing. Hip development screening. Hearing and vision reflexes. Overall tone, color, and behavior.
How do I know if my baby is eating enough? What's normal for newborn sleep and wake patterns? When should I be concerned about crying? What are the signs of jaundice I should watch for at home? What vaccines will my baby need and when?
Interview potential pediatricians before your due date. Look for someone whose communication style fits yours, who takes your questions seriously, and whose practice accepts your insurance. Ask about after-hours availability — because sick babies have a way of arriving at inconvenient times.
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