Have a baby on the way? Congratulations! As a soon-to-be parent, you’re already making important decisions to help your child get the best start in life. One of the first steps is choosing a pediatrician who will provide care for your child from birth through the teen years.

The first appointment with a pediatrician usually occurs a few days after the baby is born and the family is settling in at home. This appointment is an important milestone to check the baby’s health and progress.

“That first checkup after being at home is important because we want to make sure the baby is eating and adjusting to their new and different environment,” says Dr. Lucretia Carter, medical director of Tidelands Health Pediatrics. “We also want to check in with mom to see how she’s adjusting and assure her we are here to support her.”

There’s no need to stress about getting your baby’s first appointment scheduled with the pediatrician. At Tidelands Health, pediatricians present during the child’s birth will schedule the first appointment in their office for you.

Most pediatricians will line up the appointment within the first few days after discharge, Dr. Carter says.

Depending on where your baby is delivered, your pediatrician will typically have access to prenatal and post-natal records, but if your doctor is not connected to the hospital of birth, you’ll need to have those records in hand for baby’s first appointment. Or you may be asked to complete forms online or by mail prior to the visit.

During the visit, the nurse will measure the baby’s length, head circumference and weight. The pediatrician will then discuss the baby’s growth chart and ask about sleeping and feeding schedules, as well as wet and soiled diapers. Baby’s reflexes, the umbilical cord and circumcision – if one was performed in the hospital – will also be checked.

“After leaving the hospital, it’s a good idea to keep track of how much the baby is eating and how many diapers you’ve changed,” Dr. Carter says. “All that is helpful. And we’re there to answer any questions parents may have and discuss anything they’re nervous about.”

The pediatrician will also check in with the mom to determine if she’s experiencing any symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.

Remembering all the necessary items to bring for the baby’s first appointment can be a challenge as you adjust to being a new parent while also operating on low sleep. Have the following items packed in the diaper bag:

• Your insurance card
• Hospital paperwork
• Journal of feeding and diaper changes
• Diaper bag with diapers, wipes, extra baby outfit, bottle if your baby is bottle-fed and a blanket

In addition to supporting your newborn’s healthy start to life, your baby’s pediatrician can also help allay any fears new parents might have and provide support and guidance.

“We’re here to help,” Dr. Carter says. “If you have any concerns about how to care for the child, whether you’re able to get formula, clothing, diapers, we are here to guide you and get you to the right resources.”