Pediatricians play an integral role in a child’s physical, mental and social development. From the first Cumming newborn pediatric checkup until adulthood, your pediatrician will prevent and manage various health issues and address developmental concerns. But while newborn pediatricians are a close ally to families, many first-time parents are unaware of precisely what they do. Let’s take a look at some of the main newborn pediatric services.
The Primary Services Offered by Newborn Pediatricians
From immediate health issues to problems impacting the child’s home environment, newborn pediatricians deliver comprehensive services.
Prenatal Consultations
A newborn pediatrician offers consultations to expectant parents, discussing any concerns or questions they might have about their baby’s health and development. During a visit, a pediatrician will also give guidance on preparing for the baby’s arrival.
Newborn Assessments
After the baby is born, the pediatrician performs a thorough examination to check for any abnormalities or health issues. The physical examination checks vital signs, reflexes and overall appearance to assess the baby’s health. As part of the exam, a newborn pediatrician also takes weight, height and head circumference measurements.
Newborn Vaccination Administration
Vaccinations for hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria and tetanus are crucial for maintaining a newborn’s good health. A newborn pediatrician administers recommended vaccinations to protect young children from preventable diseases.
Feeding and Nutrition Advice
During the initial visits with the pediatrician, parents can receive valuable guidance on breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and general infant nutrition. Maintaining good nourishment is necessary for proper growth and development, and introduces healthy eating patterns from a young age. This is one of the key benefits of early newborn care for baby boys and girls.
Newborn Developmental Screenings
Your child’s pediatrician will monitor the baby’s growth, cognitive abilities and motor skill development during developmental screenings. These assessments can identify any areas of concern, allowing for immediate interventions and referrals to specialists when needed.
Sleep Consultation
Newborns often experience interrupted sleep, which is a natural cause of concern for parents. A pediatrician will offer advice on establishing healthy sleep patterns and routines for newborns.
Education and Support for Parents
Parents can turn to a pediatrician for vital information on infant care, safety and general parenting practices. With this knowledge and guidance, parents can feel confident and well-equipped in their new role.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Newborn Conditions
Unfortunately, newborns are susceptible to various common conditions that impact their immediate health. While most of these conditions (such as coughs, colds, fevers and vomiting) are frequently not serious, your pediatrician can perform a checkup and offer effective remedies. Checkups for infants and toddlers can also identify more severe health or developmental issues that might require specialized care.
Trusted Newborn Pediatrician in Cumming and Beyond
At Vickery Pediatrics, we provide a range of health and developmental services to children from birth until age 21. Over many years, we are proud to have been a close healthcare partner for families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For more information, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.
