Well-child visits are an important part of caring for a newborn. Parents can ensure their child is healthy and developing as expected by following a consistent schedule of newborn well-baby examinations. But if your newborn shows no concerning signs, then why are ongoing visits to your Cumming pediatrician so important?
8 Reasons Why Regular Newborn Pediatric Checkups Matter
Well-baby visits provide benefits for both child and parents. Here are some of the primary reasons to follow your pediatrician’s examination schedule.
1. Monitoring Growth and Development
By consistently measuring weight, length and head circumference, doctors can ensure that the baby is growing at a healthy rate. This process can also help in identifying any developmental delays or growth abnormalities.
2. Nutritional Assessment and Guidance
During the early checkups, a pediatrician will assess if the baby is feeding well and gaining weight appropriately. These initial visits are also a good time to get guidance on breastfeeding, formula feeding and the introduction of solid foods.
3. Parental Education and Support
Pediatricians give parents information on how to care for their baby, what to expect in terms of development, how to handle common issues like colic, sleep problems, diaper rash and so on.
4. Tracking Milestones
Checking that the baby reaches developmental milestones (such as smiling, rolling over or grasping objects) can help identify potential issues. Tracking milestones begins during your newborn’s first doctor’s visit and continues over the subsequent months and years.
5. Managing Minor Health Issues
Regular checkups allow for the early detection and management of common health issues such as ear infections, skin conditions or colds. Babies often get coughs, colds, fevers and other minor issues, and having the support of a pediatrician helps parents minimize stress and health concerns.
6. Building a Relationship With the Pediatrician
Regular visits help establish a relationship between the pediatrician, child and family. This trust can be beneficial for future healthcare decisions, and understanding the specific needs and history of the child.
7. Emotional and Social Development Assessment
Pediatricians monitor a baby’s emotional and social development, providing guidance on how to promote healthy emotional bonds and social interactions. The early bonds formed between parents, caregivers and a newborn play a vital role in their long-term development.
8. Vaccinations
Keeping up with a vaccination schedule is vital to protect newborns from several potentially severe diseases. For example, an infant well-child visit at two months old typically involves vaccinations against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B and other conditions.
Arrange a Newborn Pediatric Well-Child Checkup in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics provides well-child and sick visits for children of all ages. We have an extensive history working with families in Georgia, including Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For more information, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.
