You are starting one of life's greatest adventures,
parenthood. Congratulations! I appreciate your asking me to be your baby's physician. I'll
go my best to help your baby enjoy a healthy childhood.
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If this is your first child, you
probably have lots of questions. If you have other children, your memories of baby days
may have faded. Some infant care practices has changed, and you'll want to have up-to-date
information. Of course, the parents of new babies
don't have to look far to get advice. Friends, neighbors, and relatives are eager to share
their knowledge of baby care. But what worked for them may not work for you. And not all
of their advice will be correct. I hope you'll ask me any questions that come to mind
while your baby is still in the hospital and afterward, either by phone or during office
visits. |
Most parents of children in my practice have many questions
about baby care, but they often forget them during the visit. For this reason, I suggest
that you keep a running list of questions at home, even if they seem silly or trivial.
Anything that concerns your desire to understand and care for your baby is important for
us to discuss.
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When babies go home from the hospital nursery,
everyone wants to see them. A new baby generally gets a lot of callers. For a few weeks,
limit your baby's visitors, especially children. The baby needs a little time to build
resistance to common infections. You don't know who might have a sore throat, cough or
other infectious condition. I also suggest that you keep the baby out of large crowds for
at least 8 weeks.
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I ask that my newborn patients
come for their first check-ups between 2-4 weeks old. Should a problem arise before then,
I'll see your baby, of course. If the hospital staff does not make an appointment for your
baby's first check-up, please call my office as soon as the baby goes home from the
hospital. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a
recommended schedule of well-child visits that I'd like you to follow during your baby's
first two years. |
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| Office Visits and Immunization Schedule |
AGE |
REASON FOR VISIT |
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2 Weeks |
Physical Exam |
One Month |
Physical Exam |
2 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
3 Months |
Physical Exam not required, but suggested by the ABP |
4 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
6 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
9 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
One Year |
Physical Exam / / TB Test / Hemoglobin Test |
15 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
18 Months |
Physical Exam / Immunization |
2 and 3 years |
Physical Exam / Tine Test / Hemoglobin Test |
4 - 5 years |
Physical Exam / Immunization / Tine Test /
Hemoglobin / Cholesterol Test |
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