Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting!
The 2 Week Visit is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. Babies usually lose weight right after birth. By 2 weeks of age, your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.
- Monitor for signs of jaundice.
- Check to see how your baby is feeding.
- Answer questions about your new baby.
- Obtain second Newborn Metabolic Screen
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Newborn Metabolic Screen
Helpful Info: Caring for Your Newborn
Bright Futures Parent Info
The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. Babies usually lose weight right after birth. By 2 weeks of age, your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screens/Assessments: State of Alabama Newborn Screen Assessment
Helpful Info: Breastfeeding your Baby
Bright Futures Parent Info
Families are usually settling in some by this visit. Feeding, sleeping
and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile now and that helps a lot!
Immunizations: HepB#2
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 1 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire, Post Partum Depression Assessment
Helpful Info: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 1 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire, Post Partum Depression Assessment, add the child to your insurance policy.
Bright Futures Parent Info
Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective, and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Note that DTap#1, HIB#1 and IPV#1 listed below are given as a single combination vaccine.
Immunizations: DTap#1,
HIB#1,
PCV#1,
IPV#1,
Rotavirus#1
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 2 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Helpful Info: Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 2 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info
Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch, or counter. They move faster than you think! Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods
Note that DTap#2, HIB#2 and IPV#2 listed below are given as a single combination vaccine.
Immunizations: DTap#2,
HIB#2,
PCV#2,
IPV#2,
Rotavirus#2
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 4 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Helpful Info: Starting Solid Foods
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 4 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info
Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss the introduction of fluoridated water to encourage the development of strong and healthy teeth. If you have city or rural water, your water is fluoridated. If you have well water, you should have your water tested for fluoride before offering it to your baby.
Note that DTap#3, HIB#3 and IPV#3 listed below are given as a single combination vaccine.
Immunizations: DTaP#3,
HIB#3,
IPV#3,
PCV#3,
Rotavirus#3,
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 6 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire, Post Partum Depression Assessment
Helpful Info: Starting Solid Foods
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 6 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire,
Post Partum Depression Assessment
Bright Futures Parent Info
Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand, and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything; this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care.
Immunizations: HepB#3
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 9 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire, Pediavision Screen
Helpful Info: Caring for Your Child's Teeth
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 9 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info
At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk, however it is healthy to continue breast milk if that is what you prefer for your baby. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking. It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older - avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change now!
Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2 or later if they are still fitting comfortably rear facing.
At this visit we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss dental health. Your baby should see a dentist after 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. We will provide you with a list of dentists and encourage you to schedule your baby's first appointment.
- Screen your baby for lead exposure and anemia
Immunizations: MMR#1,
Var#1
Tests/Screens/Assessments: 12 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire, TB Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Complete Blood Count
Helpful Info: Playing Is How Toddlers Learn
Please Complete Before Your Visit: 12 Month Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info