Newborn Care

What does newborn care involve?

Newborn care focuses on ensuring your baby’s healthy start in life during those first precious weeks after birth. It includes regular checkups to monitor growth, feeding, sleep, and development, as well as guidance for parents adjusting to life with a new baby.

The Bloom Pediatrics team tracks weight gain, reflexes, and vital signs, while offering support for common challenges like feeding, diapering, and establishing routines. Your baby also receives their first vaccines, for hepatitis B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In addition, newborn care visits are an opportunity for parents to ask questions and acquire reassurance about what’s normal and what may need attention.

When should a newborn have their first doctor visit?

Most newborns should have their first appointment within a few days of birth, typically when they’re between 3 and 5 days old. This visit helps ensure your baby is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and showing healthy signs of development.

Early visits also give your provider a chance to address issues such as jaundice, dehydration, and umbilical cord healing. They then schedule regular checkups at key milestones to monitor ongoing growth and developmental progress.

What happens during a newborn visit?

During each appointment, the Bloom Pediatrics team measures your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to track healthy growth. They’ll check reflexes, heart rate, breathing, and muscle tone.

Parents also receive education on safe sleep, bathing, umbilical cord care, and recognizing signs of illness. Providers discuss feeding patterns — whether breast or bottle — to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition.

What are some common newborn concerns?

The first year of life is a time of rapid growth and change. Regular pediatric visits ensure your baby is thriving physically, emotionally, and developmentally, laying the foundation for a lifetime of good health and well-being.

Many new parents worry about feeding frequency, spit-up, diaper rash, or irregular sleep patterns. Mild issues like gas or fussiness are common and usually resolve as your baby’s system matures.

While these problems are typically nothing to worry about, parents should call Bloom Pediatrics if their baby has a fever, vomits persistently, or isn’t waking to feed. Same-day sick visits are also available.

Bonding is key, so spend time holding, cuddling, and talking to your newborn. Skin-to-skin contact helps with emotional connection, temperature regulation, and breastfeeding success. Maintain a calm, predictable environment and keep your baby’s sleep area safe and clutter-free.

Call Bloom Pediatrics to schedule your newborn care appointment or request an appointment online today.