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Visiting
With The Pediatrician
What To Expect
By Sarah Veda
In the first year of your baby’s life, you will be visiting your pediatrician
about every other month, for well check ups and immunizations. Here’s a rundown
of how those visits go, and approximately how often you’ll need to visit.
Two week visit
Some doctors schedule a visit earlier than two weeks, but most pediatricians
begin at the two week mark. Your baby’s weight, length and head circumference
will be measured, and you can expect this at every well baby checkup during this
first year. They will also do a general exam and check the baby’s fontanel. One
thing the doctor particularly interested in at this checkup is baby’s weight
gain. Your baby will typically lose some weight right after birth, so at this
checkup the doctor will want to ensure that baby is gaining back the lost
weight. They will also ask about eating habits, how often the baby is producing
wet and dirty diapers, and about how the baby is sleeping.
One month visit
This visit will be largely the same as the previous visit, focusing on
baby’s development, and on yours and baby’s adjustment at home.
Two month visit
Baby will be checked again, and immunizations will usually start at the two
month mark. The first dose of the DPT – (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis)
vaccine is usually administered at this visit. For more information about when
immunizations are administered, see the chapter on this subject.
From this point on, you can expect well baby visits every other month, until
your baby is a year old. There will routine physical exams, and questions about
your baby’s development. For the first year of life, the baby will receive
immunizations at nearly every visit. These visits are not only important
opportunities for the doctor to check on your baby’s progress, but are also
opportunities for you to ask questions and gain reassurance about how things are
going, so take advantage. For instance, if you are concerned that your child has
not reached a development milestone, these visits are a good time to discuss
this with your doctor. Your doctor will also be looking for these development
milestones, and will alert you if there is an issue. It’s helpful to write your
questions down as you think of them, so you don’t forget.
In addition, be sure to discuss your doctor’s preferences on calling when
your child is sick. For example, is there a 24 hour on-call nursing service for
questions? Or, is the on call only for emergencies. Your relationship with your
pediatrician is critical to maintaining your child’s health and your peace of
mind. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and call on your doctor as often as
needed to ensure your comfort.
About the Author: Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one
girl. She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, and gave it up
to be a stay at home mom. For more info, see
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