Bringing your newborn home is an exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experience. "As a new parent, it's natural to have lots of questions about how to care for your baby, and your first pediatric checkups are the perfect time to get answers, says Ricardo J. Chapa, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Dripping Springs.
After your baby is discharged from the hospital, the first visits with their pediatrician or advanced practice clinician (APC) typically occur within 24 to 72 hours, and again at two weeks. During these newborn visits, the pediatrician will perform thorough assessments to monitor your baby's growth, development, and overall health. From tracking weight and length to evaluating feeding and weight gain, pediatricians and APCs conduct essential screenings to ensure your baby is meeting key milestones and to connect you with helpful resources to support their well-being.
To help you feel more prepared for these first appointments, we've compiled a list of common questions pediatricians may ask you, along with important questions you might want to ask them. From feeding and sleep routines to immunizations and early signs of development, these topics cover the essential areas of your baby's health and well-being.
Questions your pediatrician may ask you
- How often is your baby eating?
- How often is your baby urinating or having bowel movements?
- How are you feeding your baby? Are you providing breastmilk, formula, or both?
- Do you have a crib or designated sleeping area for your baby?
Questions to ask your pediatrician
Your baby's diet and eating habits
- Can you help provide breastfeeding resources?
- How much, and how often should I feed my newborn?
- How soon can I feed my baby solids?
- What should I do if my baby does not want to eat?
- Why does my baby have trouble latching on when I breastfeed?
Your baby's sleep
- How much and how often should my baby sleep?
- How should I swaddle my baby?
- What position should my baby sleep in?
- Where should my baby sleep?
Your baby's bowel movements
- How long is it okay for my baby to not have a bowel movement?
- How often should my baby pee or poop?
- What is a normal stool color for newborns?
- What should I do if my baby is constipated?
Your baby's hygiene
- How long will it take for my baby's umbilical cord to fall?
- How often should I give my newborn a bath?
- How should I care for my baby after a circumcision?
- How should I care for my uncircumcised baby?
- How should I take care of my baby's umbilical cord?
Your baby's overall well-being
- How much crying is normal?
- How soon can I take my baby outside?
- How soon should my baby start tummy time?
- Should I give my baby any supplements?
- What are some medicine cabinet must-haves?
- What should I do if my baby gets a fever?
- What vaccines and screenings should I expect?
- What's the best way to burp my baby?
Mom's health and well-being
- Is it okay to take certain supplements?
- What should I do if I'm experiencing postpartum depression?
Learn more about newborn visits at ARC.
"Every baby is unique, and your ARC care team understands that," says Dr. Chapa. "Don't hesitate to speak up and ask questions during your child's pediatric checkup—there's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your baby's health and your peace of mind."
Make an appointment today
Dr. Chapa is accepting new patients, newborn through 18 years old, at ARC Dripping Springs. Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Chapa or through ARC MyChart.
Pediatrics care for Dripping Springs and surrounding communities
ARC Dripping Springs, located at 27600 Ranch Road 12, offers a convenient location for patients seeking pediatric care in Dripping Springs, as well as those in nearby towns such as Driftwood, Henly, and Wimberley. ARC Pediatrics doctors and APCs focus on a full range of services for patients from birth through 18 years. We offer appointments to fit your schedule and lifestyle, including regular clinic visits, telemedicine visits, same-day visits, After Hours Clinic appointments, and 24/7 phone nurses.