Newborn Care

How often does my baby need to have newborn care appointments?

When you finally get to take your newborn home, your baby continues to grow and develop at a rapid pace. LaSante Health Center provides expert newborn care starting with their very first well-child visits. The recommended schedule for infant check-ups is:

• Within the first week (3-5 days old)
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months

Frequent health check-ups give you the peace of mind that your baby is developing as expected. In the case of a health issue, your doctor can identify the condition early and begin treatment to help your baby thrive. 

What services does newborn care include?

During newborn visits, your pediatrician measures and weights your baby. While all children develop at their own pace, your pediatrician compares your baby’s growth against a growth chart to make sure they’re developing within the normal parameters. 

The pediatrician also performs a head-to-toe physical. They check the soft spots on your baby’s head and look into their ears, eyes, and mouth to track development and screen for signs of illness. 

Your pediatrician listens to your baby’s heart and lungs, feels their abdomen, and checks their hips, legs, shoulders, and arms. They also provide all the vaccines your baby needs to stay healthy. 

As the months pass, your pediatrician looks for developmental milestones such as lifting their head, imitating facial expressions, sitting up, and learning to use their fingers.

At the same time, the pediatrician checks in on you. All babies are unique, so whether this is your first baby or your fourth, your pediatrician can answer your questions and help you find solutions to any challenges that arise. For example, you might need help with breastfeeding or have signs of postpartum depression.

What should I do if my baby is sick?

No one wants to see their baby suffer through a cold or another illness. LaSante Health Center is on hand to treat your baby and help them return to optimal health. Some of the signs that you should bring your baby to the pediatrician include:

• Having a fever (any fever for babies under three months)
• Excessive vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Changes in appetite
• Behavior changes like being hard to wake or difficult to console
• Tender navel or genitalia

LaSante Health Center offers after-hours care. If your baby develops symptoms outside of regular office hours, call the office and follow the instructions to contact a team member for urgent attention.

If you’re looking for attentive, customized newborn care, call LaSante Health Center or make an appointment online today.