8 Reasons to Take Your Newborn for a Health Check

Peace of Mind

Taking your fragile little one for a health check can give you the peace of mind that you’re doing everything right. Even women who are naturally gifted caretakers have their doubts. Giving yourself the opportunity to hear from a professional that everything is fine and your little one is healthy will give you some confidence, which is something most new mothers need. You will know that your baby is healthy and happy, and that you’re doing things correctly. That peace of mind will help you relax a little bit more as you’re settling into your new role as mommy. New moms are probably some of the most stressed people on the planet. You have a newborn baby who is now the most important person in the world to you and they are so small and helpless that it can be daunting. Knowing everything is fine and you’re doing a great job will help ease some of that tension. It can also give you the perfect opportunity to find out the best solution to a problem. Knowing just what to do to solve one of your baby’s problems can be just as empowering as knowing everything is fine.

Tips and Tricks for a Happier Baby

While knowing you’re doing well is important, it’s also helpful to learn some useful tips. Your baby’s doctor can provide you with some proven suggestions to make things easier for you and your little one. It might be a different method to burp them or some bottle warming advice. The fact is, your baby’s doctor has heard from many other women and knows of other mothers’ firsthand experiences. While you’re still the one who knows best for your baby, you could pick up some knowledge that proves useful to your growing arsenal of tricks to make your baby happier, healthier, and make your life easier. Taking advice and learning multiple methods of doing things is going to give you more tools for now and in the future. Use that wisdom and advice as you need it and don’t be afraid to seek it out.

Every Child is Unique

If this is not your first rodeo you may feel as though you know what you’re doing. However, probably even during pregnancy, you noticed this time is different. Babies are people, and they are each unique with different needs and wants. They react differently to stimuli and will have differing preferences. Of course, there are the basic needs of every child such as food and sleep, but every baby needs a different experience. It’s important to understand that your second child will have challenges and needs that your first didn’t and each baby you have will be a little different. Some may have a harder time sleeping and some may have a sensitivity to a certain brand of formula. Giving yourself access to a healthcare professional so early will help you find your baby’s needs and will put you in a better position to care for your little one.

A Chance to Ask Questions

As mentioned above, every mother has doubts. Every mother will question herself, especially during those times when your baby is upset or has an uncertain reaction or symptom. Sometimes you will find yourself wondering about something that may seem trivial or unimportant. Sometimes you might simply be curious. Whatever the reason for the question, use that first health check as the 2perfect opportunity to ask. Even if it seems silly, just ask. Your baby’s doctor has probably heard far sillier and stranger questions from other new parents. While they’re measuring and examining your little one, you can be asking all those nagging questions and getting answers to all your uncertainties. It will give you a better grasp and more confidence as your care for your little one. It will also be the perfect time to learn of any special needs your little may have. If there is something to be concerned about, you will be able to learn all there is to know about the issue and put you in a better position to meet any challenges head-on.

A Chance for Others to Ask Questions

It takes a village to raise a child, or so the saying goes. Most of us will rely on someone else, or even multiple people, to help us care for our little one. It may be a partner or a parent, it may be a friend or a relative. Whatever your personal situation and how you will be handling the care of your baby, taking another caregiver with you may be a good idea. Not only will that first trip to the doctor be easier to handle with some help, but it will give that fellow caregiver a chance to ask questions as well, which in many instances is just as important as your questions are. You’re going to need answers, but they might too. We all know people are busy, and if someone you will rely on to care for your baby isn’t able to go with you, or if you have more than one person who will care for your little one, have them give you a list of any questions they have. Being prepared is never a bad thing, and your baby’s doctor will appreciate the fact that you and those helping you are doing your best to make sure your baby is as healthy and happy as possible.

First Introductions

Most babies will be seeing the same doctor for a while. Taking your baby in early and continually going for the recommended appointments will help your baby recognize and get to know their doctor. Of course, a newborn isn’t going to trust a strange doctor right away, but the consistent face will eventually become familiar as your child grows and your child will learn to trust their doctor. Beginning that relationship early will help that connection develop sooner and make your child’s appointments less scary and more productive. Looking at this from the other side, a doctor that is familiar with their patient is far more likely to understand their needs and habits more. If you take your little one in, a doctor who knows their health history firsthand will know what new developments might be concerning and which ones are fine. Your child’s doctor will be able to pick up on cues more easily than a doctor that has never examined your child before.

Keeping Records

Speaking of a health history, medical records are a vital tool in decision making. That first appointment may seem unnecessary, but it’s the foundation that your baby’s records are built on. The measurements and examination will be the building blocks for establishing expectations and goals, as well as understanding what might need to be watched or improved. It gives your baby’s doctor a chance to gather information. They will be better equipped for measuring growth and development, as well as the unique traits of your child. The more information your baby’s doctor has, the better they will be able to give personalized assessments and guidance.

Better Understanding of Milestones

It probably feels like your baby’s life consists of nothing but eating, sleeping, and filling their diaper. You’re not wrong, but there is so much more going on. Baby’s grow and develop at a phenomenal rate, and there are a million small milestones your little one is working towards. You would be amazed at how many there are 3within the first month after birth. Finding out those milestones and knowing what you can expect from your baby will help you grasp just how far your little one develops in such a short time. It’s difficult to understand the signs of your baby learning new things and making physical and mobility progress if you don’t take the time to reflect on it. Your baby’s first appointment is entirely about measuring your baby’s progress in those first few days.

Bringing that precious little one into the world can be nerve-racking, but with that first visit to your baby’s doctor, you can be better prepared to be the best mother to your little one. Use that health check to give yourself the tools you need.