Well Baby Check-ups
Your baby’s health care provider (pediatrician) will give you instructions about when to bring baby in for his or her first check-up. This may be sometime between a few days after discharge home from the hospital to a few weeks. During their check-ups, babies are weighed and measured to assess their growth.
Depending on your pediatrician’s recommendation, your baby may also receive the 2nd (of 3) Hepatitis B vaccine. For a complete listing of recommended immunizations for children from birth through 6 years old, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf.
Since you will be taking your baby to well-baby check-ups and other appointments soon after birth, you may want to have your car seat inspected by a certified technician. To find out where you can have your child safety seat inspected, visit nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats#inspection-inspection. You can find car seat check-up events and lots of other valuable information at www.safekids.org.
Feeding your baby
- Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the early days. Remember you are not alone, and we are here to help! Contact our Lactation Educator at 704-878-4555 or The Birth Place (704-878-4660) to help you find ways to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby. Here’s a link to some common breastfeeding challenges, and things you can do: womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/common-breastfeeding-challenges
- If your baby is formula feeding, after the first few days, he or she will take 2 to 3 ounces per feeding, and eat every 3 to 4 hours during the first few weeks. By the end of the first month, your baby may be up to 4 ounces per feeding. Your pediatrician will advise you about how much and how often to feed your baby.
What does baby do, and what can you do for baby?
- Baby can turn his or head from side to side; hear sounds and see objects that are within 12 inches away; hold small objects in a tight fight (grasp reflex); and sleep for about 2 to 3 hours at a time. Baby cries to communicate hunger, discomfort, pain, and other needs.
- Baby can see pictures and things with bright colors and bold patterns.
Mom (and other caregivers) can feed baby when hungry.
- Hold baby close and speak in a soothing voice
- Support baby’s head when holding baby.
- Sing, talk, and read to baby.
- Baby needs your gentle touch and eye contact.