Having a new baby means lots of doctor visits! Both you and your little one need checkups to stay healthy. This guide will help you keep track of all these important visits and why they matter.
Your Baby’s Doctor Visits 👶
Well-Baby Checkups
Your baby will see the doctor a lot in the first few years. Here’s when they usually go:
- 3-5 days after birth
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
- 12 months old
- 15 months old
- 18 months old
- 24 months old (2 years)
- 30 months old
- 3 years old
At these visits, the doctor will:
- Weigh and measure your baby 📏
- Check how your baby is growing and learning 🧠
- Give vaccines to keep your baby safe from sickness 💉
- Answer your questions about feeding, sleeping, and growing
- Make sure your baby can see and hear well 👁️ 👂
Sick Visits
Sometimes babies get sick between checkups. Call the doctor if your baby:
- Has a fever
- Won’t eat
- Cries a lot more than usual
- Has trouble breathing
- Has a rash
- Seems very sleepy or hard to wake up
It’s always better to call if you’re worried! That’s what doctors are there for.
Your Healthcare After Having a Baby 🤱
You need checkups too! Your body did an amazing thing and needs care.
Your Postpartum Checkup
You’ll usually see your doctor about 6 weeks after having your baby. At this visit, the doctor will:
- Check how your body is healing
- Talk about birth control if you want it
- See how you’re feeling emotionally
- Answer questions about sex, pain, or body changes
- Make sure any stitches or cuts are healing right
Your Emotional Health Checks
Having a baby can bring big feelings. Your doctor should ask about your mood at your visits. If they don’t ask, you can tell them how you’re feeling. It’s important to speak up if you:
- Feel sad most days
- Worry all the time
- Have scary thoughts
- Feel very angry often
- Don’t enjoy things you used to like
These could be signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, which many parents get and can be treated!
Dental Care Matters Too 🦷
Both you and baby need healthy teeth and gums!
For You:
- Keep brushing and flossing, even when you’re tired
- See your dentist for regular cleanings
- Tell your dentist if your gums bleed more after having a baby
For Baby:
- Clean gums with a soft cloth even before teeth come in
- First dental visit should happen by their first birthday or when first tooth appears
- Ask your doctor about fluoride for baby’s teeth
Tips for Making Doctor Visits Easier 🌟
Going to so many appointments can be hard! Here are some ideas to help:
Before the Visit:
- Write down your questions so you don’t forget
- Schedule visits for your baby’s best time of day if you can
- Bring an extra diaper, snack, and toy
- Put appointments on your calendar right away
During the Visit:
- Speak up if you don’t understand something
- Ask the doctor to explain again if needed
- Be honest about how things are going at home
- Remember there are no “stupid questions”
After the Visit:
- Put the next appointment on your calendar right away
- Follow any instructions the doctor gave you
- Call if you have questions you forgot to ask
- Keep all papers in one folder or take pictures of them with your phone
How to Remember All These Appointments 🗓️
It’s a lot to keep track of! Try these ideas:
- Use your phone calendar and set reminders
- Put a big calendar on your fridge
- Ask the doctor’s office to send you text reminders
- Schedule the next visit before you leave the office
- Try to use the same day of the week for appointments to create a pattern
When Money or Time Is Tight 💰
Healthcare is important but can be expensive or hard to get to. If you’re having trouble:
- Ask about sliding scale payments (paying what you can afford)
- Look into Medicaid or CHIP for your child
- See if your area has mobile health clinics
- Ask about telehealth visits you can do from home
- Check if your doctor has evening or weekend hours
- See if there’s a bus route to the clinic or hospital
Taking Care of Yourself Is Taking Care of Your Baby ❤️
Remember, your health matters too! When you take care of your own body and mind, you can be a better parent. It’s like on airplanes when they say to put on your own oxygen mask first.
Don’t skip your own doctor visits. Your baby needs you to be healthy and strong!
You’re Doing a Great Job! 🌟
Keeping up with all these appointments while caring for a baby is a big job. Every visit you make happens because you’re a caring parent who wants the best for your family.
Even if you miss an appointment sometimes or get behind on checkups, you can always get back on track. Your healthcare team wants to help you and your baby stay healthy and happy!
References:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
