Best way to find the right pediatrician is to talk to friends, family, or people your trust

Once you find a couple pediatricians you are going to consider, set up an appointment where you will get to know them and ask the questions

Important that you feel comfortable with your pediatrician and with the surroundings, after all you will be trusting him or her with your baby!

Questions asked:◦ What are your qualifications?◦ Are you available by phone?◦ What happens in an emergency?

Taken 1-5 minutes after baby is born Scored on a 1-10 scale. 10 is the healthiest. Each test is worth 0-2 points 8-9 points = normal newborn, good condition 10 points is unusual, most newborns lose a point

because their hands and feet are blue Lower than 8 = child needs assistance Lower than 5 = Immediate assistance need to adjust

to the new environment. This test include examination of

◦ Breathing effort◦ Heart Rate◦ Muscle tone◦ Reflexes◦ Skin Color

Test done the day a baby is born. Analyzes a small sample of the

baby’s blood to check for diseases

Checks baby’s hearingTest are taken at the hospital

and finished before the mother and baby leave the hospital

Shots

2-4 days is your time at home with the baby. On the baby's 5th day, it will have its first hospital visit.

Mothers usually will ask many questions they came up with while being with their babies.

2 weeks into babies life, second hospital visit is made.

Checks:WeightHeightHead circumferenceGrowth and DevelopmentRepeats newborn screen test

The Pediatrician will check and do the following -

Weight Height If the cord has fallen off, belly button is healing If baby boy was circumcised, doctor will examine the

penis Eyesight and hearing Give you insight into baby’s personality and how she

is developing Go over any health concerns the doctor may notice

(ex: diaper rash)

Pediatrician will check and do the following-

Weight Height Address any health concerns First round of immunizations Answer any questions Eyesight Hearing Insight on baby’s developmentand behavior

Pediatrician will check and do the following-

Weight Height Eyesight Hearing Insight on baby’s development and behavior Measure head size to make sure the brain is growing Second set of shots Address any health concerns (ex: constipation, colds, flu) Answer questions about childcare and transitions Identify was to set up a bedtime routine

Pediatrician will check and do the following-

Weight Height Another round of

immunizations Eyesight Hearing Insight on baby’s development and behavior Plan how to teach baby to sleep through out the night

Pediatrician will check and do the following-

Weight Height Eyesight Hearing Insight on baby’s development and behavior Discuss safety precautions (ex: car seats, poison control,

child-proofing house) Make note of baby’s appearance (Babies are typically

plump, double chins, belly rolls and leg rolls) Baby is not overly pale (Pale skin could mean anemia)

Pediatrician will check and do the following-

Weight Height Eyesight Hearing Insight on baby’s development and behavior Another round of immunization shots Time for chicken pox vaccine, if you choose to have toddler to

receive it Answer questions on vitamins Address concerns about bumps, cuts, and falls Discipline Advice for child Make sure toddler is not dropping old skill but still picking new ones

The pediatrician makes sure the toddler is using a cup instead of a bottle

They make sure the child is starting to feed himself

Checks the basics (eyes and ears)

Last set of immunizations before preschool shots are given

Checks the basics (height and weight)

Child should be completely off the bottle

Have consistent bedtime routinesChild should start to learn about

the bathroomMake sure child can walk

Examines growth and development Reviews child’s schedule Checks height, weight, and circumference of

head Dental health Proper diet Injury prevention Goes over toilet training Screening test – checks for blood levels,

anemia, and lead poisoning Make sure toddler is speaking close to 50 words

Check heightWeightEyesighthearing

"Choosing a Pediatrician." Baby Shopping and Birth Resources at First Baby Mall. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. <http://www.firstbabymall.com/expecting/parenting/pediatrician4.htm>.

"Well-child Visits: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001928.htm>.

“Pediatricians and Baby's Health - Information and Resources for Parents,pediatrician Links, Medical Links, Resources." Rexanne.com - Parenting, Holidays, Humor, Family, Fun! - Site Map. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. <http://www.rexanne.com/baby-health.html>.

"Doctor Visit Worksheets for Your Baby's First Year | BabyCenter." BabyCenter | Homepage - Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, Kids. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. <http://www.babycenter.com/0_doctor-visit-worksheets-for-your-babys-first-year_66.bc>.

"Ask the Pediatrician: The First Year." Web. 05 Mar. 2010. <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53753>.