At the hospital
Routine newborn care includes a vitamin K injection, antibiotic eye ointment, a first hepatitis B dose, a heel-prick blood test (about 24 hours old), a hearing screen and a heart screening with a simple pulse-oximeter. Practices vary by state, so ask your care team.
The first visits
- The first checkup is usually within 3 to 5 days of birth (sooner if you left the hospital early), covering weight, jaundice, feeding, the cord and parent well-being.
- Expect visits around 1 and 2 months. The WHO suggests postnatal contacts on day 3, days 7 to 14 and at 6 weeks.
- Write down your questions. Take photos of your discharge instructions.
Early vaccines (CDC)
The CDC schedule lists hepatitis B at birth and 1 month; rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, pneumococcal and polio at 2 months and 4 months; and an RSV antibody depending on the mother's RSV vaccination. Schedules change, so confirm the current one with your pediatrician.
Milestones (CDC)
- By 2 months: calms when spoken to, looks at your face, smiles, makes sounds besides crying, holds head up briefly on tummy.
- By 4 months: smiles to get attention, coos and chuckles, holds head steady, brings hands to mouth, pushes up on forearms.
- Premature babies follow an adjusted timeline. If you worry, act early: do not "wait and see." Tell your pediatrician.
Further ahead
The WHO and CDC say to start solids at about 6 months, while some US sources allow 4 to 6 months when baby shows readiness signs (sitting with head control, coordinating hands and mouth, swallowing food instead of pushing it out). Ask your pediatrician. No honey before 12 months, and learn infant choking first aid before you start.
Not feeling okay? Reach out now.
Education, not medical advice. Every baby and every parent is different. Ask your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician about anything specific to you, and call them or emergency services if you are worried. Sources for this guide: CDC: childhood vaccine schedule; developmental milestones (2 and 4 months); AAP HealthyChildren: newborn visit; Sutter Health: newborn screenings; WHO postnatal care recommendations; NHS and Mayo Clinic: starting solids. All sources.