Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital. If you are able to obtain a visiting nurse visit from the hospital after discharge, that may replace this office visit.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Check your baby’s weight
- Monitor for signs of jaundice
- Check to see how your baby is feeding
- Answer questions about your new baby
Immunizations: HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: None
Helpful Info: Common Newborn Conditions
The 1 Week Visit is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. All babies lose weight for the first days of life (up to 10% of their birth weight is normal!) By this visit we expect that the weight loss has leveled off and/or they are beginning to gain weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Follow up on Newborn Metabolic Screen done in hospital. Screen new mothers for postpartum depression
(you can answer these questions on our patient portal prior to the visit)
Helpful Info: Vitamin D for Babies,
Safe Sleep
Families are usually settling in some by this visit. Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile now and that helps a lot!
Immunizations: HepB#2
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Post Partum Depression Assessment
(You can answer these questions on our patient portal prior to the visit.)
Helpful Info: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Post Partum Depression Assessment, add child to your insurance policy
Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break and noone is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate early developmental milestones
- Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective, and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTap#1,
HIB#1,
PCV#1,
IPV#1,
Rotavirus#1
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Post Partum Depression Assessment
(Please complete both of these on the parent portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Crying and Colic,
Acetaminophen Dosing Chart
Please Complete Before Yor Visit: Post Partum Depression Assessment, Developmental Milestones Survey
Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch, or counter. They move faster than you think! Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods. In addition we will discuss setting up your child for a lifetime of healthy sleeping habits by allowing them the opportunity to self-calm.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate developmental milestones
- Provide your baby’s immunizations
- Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods
- Disc safe sleep and allowing the opportunity to self-calm
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTaP#2,
HIB#2,
PCV#2,
IPV#2,
Rotavius#2
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Post Partum Depression Assessment, Developmental Survey.
(Please complete both of these on the parent portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Infant Feeding Tips, Starting Solid Foods,
When Can I Start Giving My Baby Peanut Butter?
Please Complete Before Yor Visit: Post Partum Depression Assessment, Developmental Milestones Survey
Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate developmental milestones
- Provide your baby’s immunizations
- Discuss the introduction of toothbrushing with the first tooth (using a tiny amount of toothpaste with fluoride) after the last feeding of the evening
- Develop good bedtime habits including “Brush, Book, Bed”
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTaP#3,
HIB#3,
PCV#3,
Rotavirus#3,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Post Partum Depression Assessment, Developmental Survey.
(Please complete both of these on the parent portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Teething and Tooth Care,
How to Share Books with Your 6- 8 month old,
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Dosing Chart
Please Complete Before Yor Visit: Post Partum Depression Assessment, Developmental Milestones Survey
Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand, and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything; this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate developmental milestones.
- Discuss sitting at the table and enjoying meals and snacks together including table food
- Discuss your child’s upcoming dental care. You should choose a dentist, so you have a resource in case of an emergency. All children should see a dentist by age 2 years, or sooner if possible.
- Evaluate your baby’s risk for lead poisoning
- Check your baby's hemoglobin and assess risk for anemia
Immunizations: HepB #3,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, Lead Risk Survey,
(Please complete both of these on the patient portal prior to the visit; the Developmental Survey is long, so allow yourself adequate time.) Hemoglobin Test, Lead Test (if indicated)
Helpful Info: Sample Menu for an 8-12 month old,
How Much Sleep do Children Need?,
Childproofing Your Home
Please Complete Before Your Visit: ges and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, Lead Risk Survey
At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk, however it is healthy to continue breast milk if that is what you prefer for your baby. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking. It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older - avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change now!
Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate developmental milestones
- Provide your baby’s immunizations
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth
- Celebrate their birthday with you!
Immunizations: HepA#1,
MMR #1,
VAR #1,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Developmental Survey
(Please complete on the parent portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Playing Is How Toddlers Learn
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Developmental Milestones Survey
Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.
Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Evaluate developmental milestones
- Provide your baby’s immunizations
- Encourage you to stop any bottle feeding if not already accomplished
Immunizations: HIB #4,
PCV #4,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Developmental Survey
(Please complete on the parent portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Choking Prevention and
Responding to a Choking Emergency
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Developmental Milestones Survey
At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in words. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the pictures.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Provide your baby’s immunizations
- Review your child’s development with you using the M-CHAT developmental questionnaire (autism screening tool) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth (if they have not yet seen a dentist)
- Discuss temper tantrums and toilet training
Immunizations: DTaP#4,
IPV#3,
HepA#2,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, M-CHAT Autism Questionnaire,
(Please complete both of these on the patient portal prior to the visit; the Developmental Survey is long, so allow yourself adequate time.) Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info: Toddler Development,
Toilet Training
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, M-CHAT Autism Questionnaire
At this age, your 2 year old may go from trying to be independent to clinging to you; this is normal. It is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice. Being a picky eater is common in toddlers. Don’t get into the habit of making them food that is different than the rest of the family is eating. It’s your job to put healthy food on the table/plate, and the child’s job to decide what/how much they are eating.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and Body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots.
- Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth
- Discuss toilet training and time out
Immunizations: Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Developmental Survey, Lead Risk Survey,
(Please complete all 3 of these on the patient portal prior to the visit.) Lead Risk Assessment and Lead Test (if indicated), Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info: Top Tips for Surviving Temper Tantrums,
Raising a Healthy Child Who is a Joy to Feed
Please Complete Before Your Visit: M-CHAT Autism Questionnaire, Developmental Survey, Lead Risk Survey
Your baby is not really a baby anymore. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time."
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and Body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit
- Evaluate your child’s development
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
- Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and no or little juice
Immunizations: Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Ages & Stages Developmental Screening,
(Complete this long survey on the patient portal prior to the visit and be sure to allow yourself adequate time.) Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info: Snacks for Toddlers,
How to Share Books with Two and Three Year Olds
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire
Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they create with their imagination. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Evaluate your child’s development
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit
- Discuss interaction with other children
- Discuss developing healthy habits including eating, exercise and little screen time
Immunizations: Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Developmental Survey
(Please complete on the patient portal prior to your visit.)
Helpful Info: Problematic Toileting Behaviors,
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Developmental Milestones Survey
Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories. Enjoy these fun moments with your little one! Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight and height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Evaluate your child’s development
- Assess your child’s hearing and vision
- Provide your child's immunizations
- Discuss interaction with peers, preschool and activities
Immunizations: MMR#2,
VAR#2,
DTaP#5,
IPV#4,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info: Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active
At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model. Show an interest in what they are learning.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your child’s weight and height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Evaluate your child’s development
- Assess your child’s hearing and vision
- Discuss exercise and nutrition
- Disc safety in the car, and on bikes/scooters
- Discuss kindergarten readiness
Immunizations: Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Survey, Vision Testing, Hearing Testing
Helpful Info: Is Your Child Ready for School?,
Bicycle Safety: Myths and Facts
Please Complete Before Your Visit: Developmental Milestones Survey, TB Risk Survey