Newborn Well Baby Checkup
What to Expect at Your Baby’s 2 Week Doctor’s Appointment
Your newborn's first visit to the pediatrician will check your infant's growth and development.
Pediatricians like to see most healthy newborns for a well baby checkup when they are two weeks old. This is a great chance for your baby’s pediatrician to make sure that your newborn is eating enough and growing the way he needs to be. This is also a great chance for parents to ask any questions that they have had since leaving the hospital. With sleep deprivation in full swing, it helps to write down questions as you think of them and then take a list to your doctors visit so you can be sure not to forget anything.
Growth Check
At your newborn’s 2 week appointment he will be weighed and measured to make sure that he is growing the way he needs to be. When your newborn is weighed, the nurse will have you take his clothes off to get an accurate weight. The nurse will lay your baby on the table and measure his length and his head circumference will be measured while you hold him.
Developmental Milestones
At your newborn’s 2 week doctors appointment, your pediatrician will ask you questions about your baby’s development and behavior. At two weeks, your pediatrician will be most interested in small things such as whether or not your infant startles to sudden movements or loud noises, makes sounds, follows nearby objects with his eyes, and lifts his head for short periods of time. Do not worry if your baby is not doing one or two things at 2 weeks. Babies all develop at different rates. Some babies may be more relaxed than others so they may not react as dramatically to loud noises. Your pediatrician will let you know if there is anything to be concerned about and will let you know what you need to watch for as your baby grows. Your pediatrician will likely tell you where your infant falls on the growth chart for their age.
Newborn Screening for PKU
PKU is a rare disorder that only affects one out of every 12,000 babies in the United States. It is an inherited metabolic disorder that requires early treatment to prevent any ill effects. Children with PKU are unable to digest protein. Without treatment, affected children may develop mental retardation and other neurological problems. Treatment involves a modified diet that limits natural protein. With proper treatment, children who have PKU can expect to have normal development and have a normal life span. Your newborn will have his first PKU test done in the hospital. They will give you a card that you will need to take with you to your baby’s 2 week visit so that they can perform the second test. The test involves a simple heel prick. The card is used to collect your baby’s blood and it will be sent off to be analyzed. Most tests come back completely normal.
Vaccinations
If your newborn received his first hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital he will not receive any vaccinations at his 2 week appointment. If your baby did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital, it will be given at the 2 week appointment, unless you opt not to do the vaccine.
