Guidance for New Parents
Newborn Care and Services
Life is certainly busy for newborns and their parents. In addition to providing around-the-clock care at home, your pediatrician will closely monitor your baby’s health and development. The first two years of life are a critical period of growth, and regular visits help ensure your baby stays on track as they begin their journey in the world.
Because so much development happens during this stage, families often spend more time visiting the pediatrician during the first two years than at any other time in childhood. These visits allow our team to track your baby’s progress, answer questions, and help guide your family through each milestone.
Keeping track of newborn care can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Capital Area Pediatrics, we help families stay organized with recommended visit schedules and offer 24-hour phone advice at no charge so parents always have access to trusted guidance when questions arise.
If your baby is due for a visit, contact us today. You can schedule an appointment online or call one of our five locations. Be sure to ask about our evening hours designed to make scheduling easier for busy families.
Resources for New Parents
Does Capital Area Pediatrics Offer Resources for New Parents?
Absolutely. Our team proudly offers educational workshops and classes for new and expecting parents. These include prenatal classes, baby care basics, and breastfeeding education to help families feel confident and prepared.
Being a parent comes with many new responsibilities, and our goal is to provide the information and tools families need to navigate early childhood successfully. We encourage parents to contact one of our locations to learn about upcoming classes and resources available to support your family.
You can view upcoming classes and register here: View Workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will my newborn need to see a doctor?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends newborn checkups at the following times:
- Birth
- 3 to 5 days after birth
- Two weeks after birth
- At 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months
Visits may become more frequent if there are concerns about your baby’s growth or development. Your Capital Area Pediatrics provider will help track your child’s schedule so you always know when the next visit is due.
What happens during newborn appointments?
- Physical Exams: Pediatricians will examine your baby’s ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, and legs. Because newborn skulls are still developing, doctors also monitor head shape and growth.
- Growth Measurements: Your baby’s length, weight, and head circumference will be measured to ensure healthy growth and development.
- Developmental Monitoring: Doctors observe behaviors and ask about milestones such as rolling over, lifting the head, or sitting up. Parents are encouraged to share observations or concerns during visits.
- Behavioral Observation: Pediatricians watch how babies react and interact to help identify any early behavioral or developmental concerns.
- Additional Screenings: Depending on your child’s age, appointments may include vision screening, blood tests, or recommended vaccinations. Your pediatrician will always explain which tests or vaccines are appropriate.
Capital Area Pediatrics follows the vaccine schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Pediatrics.