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Newborn and Pediatric Milestones
Becoming a parent is an exhilarating and transformative journey that brings with it a wide array of emotions and experiences. This is often described as a “co-occupation,” as you’re not only responsible for your own well-being but also for nurturing your newborn. The initial weeks can be filled with moments of anxiety and uncertainty as you navigate the many changes that accompany motherhood.
It’s important for families to engage in open conversations with their pediatrician about the challenges they encounter in this evolving family dynamic, as the arrival of a baby impacts everyone involved, not just the infant. Establishing a strong healthcare foundation with a trusted pediatrician is invaluable during this time.
In the first month of your baby’s life, there are typically three essential check-ups. These visits are crucial for monitoring your baby’s development and growth, allowing the pediatrician to assess important milestones such as weight gain, feeding habits, and overall health. During these appointments, parents have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources and support for both their baby and themselves. This proactive approach can significantly ease the transition into parenthood and foster a healthier family environment.
*These may vary provider-to-provider and depending on baby’s progression and your healing
First Visit (3-5 days after birth)
1. Discuss baby’s and parents’ history
2. Develop care plan for newborn with pediatrician
3. Assess:
- weight
- breastfeeding
- urinary habits
- bowel habits
4. Look for possible jaundice
Second Visit (1-2 weeks after birth)
Baby milestones around 2 weeks:
| majority of time crying, feeding, sleeping | grasps fingers when you touch palm | alarmed by loud noises | observing faces | makes eye contact |
Pediatrician appointment:
1. Develop care plan for newborn with pediatrician
2. Assess:
- weight
- breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- voiding and pooping frequency
- developmental milestones
3. Car and home safety checks
4. Auditory and vision screenings
Tips for baby development at 2 weeks:
- close skin contact
- hugs and embraces
- say to baby “time to eat!”, “bath time!”
- talking and singing to baby
- eye contact and mimicking their faces
- encourage tummy time on caregivers reclined chest or on the floor
Third Visit (1 month after birth)
Baby milestones at 4 weeks:
| close eyes with bright lights | listen to mother’s voice | lip and tongue responses to mother speaking | tummy time- raise head and turn to side | observe familiar faces when eating or being spoken to |
Pediatrician appointment:
1. Assess:
- breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
2. Establish a baby sleep schedule and safe sleep position in the crib
3. Assess the family’s adjustment to new changes and conduct screenings for postpartum depression
Tips for baby development at 4 weeks:
- repeat baby’s sounds and faces
- singing and rhyming to baby
- read books to baby
- tummy time on the floor or caregiver’s lap or chest
- eye contact with baby, smile, and have conversations
Fourth visit (8 weeks after birth):
Baby milestones at 8 weeks:
| smiling | producing sounds | eye contact when talking to baby | mimic faces |
Pediatrician appointment:
Assess:
- breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- play and developmental milestones
- parent and family well-being
- sleep and rest
Tips for baby development at 8 weeks:
- singing to baby when feeding, bathing, dressing
- tummy time play
- smiling at baby
- cuddling, comforting baby with voice
- walking outside with baby
Fifth visit (4 months after birth):
Baby milestones at 4 months:
| roll from belly to back | raise head during tummy time | smiles and laughs | grasping toys | watch people move around room |
Pediatrician appointment:
1. Assess:
- breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- developmental milestones
- parent and family well-being
- sleep positions and rest
2. Education on play techniques
Tips for baby development at 4 months:
- read to baby, allow baby to see book
- make silly faces at baby, smile
- present baby with various shapes, textures, and colors
- tummy time play
- have conversation with baby
Sixth visit (8 months after birth):
Baby milestones at 8 months:
| transferring toys to mouth | sitting up independently, rolling, crawling | babbling | observing objects with more focus | fear of new people |
Pediatrician appointment:
1. Assess:
- breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- developmental milestones
- parent and family well-being
- sleep positions and rest
2. Education:
- injury prevention
- outdoor play, sun exposure
- dental care
Tips for baby development at 8 months:
- peek-a-boo
- floor playtime
- play with peers
- reading and storytelling to baby
- walk outside, comment on surroundings
Seventh visit (1 year after birth):
Baby milestones at 1 year:
| wave “bye bye” | 1-2 words | pointing to people or objects they know | pulling to stand, using furniture | respond to short instructions |
Pediatrician appointment:
Education:
- healthy nutrition
- socialization
Tips for baby development at 1 year:
- music, singing, dancing with baby
- reading, allow baby to hold book and flip pages
- more trips outside of home
- discuss objects they observe and point to
- play, laugh, be goofy
Eighth visit (18 months after birth):
Child milestones at 18 months:
| walking, attempting to run | self-feeding with spoon or cup | notice self in mirror | independent play | vocalize some words, understand many |
Pediatrician appointment:
Education:
- avoiding injuries
- socialization
Tips for child development at 18 months:
- spend time outside, discuss surroundings
- socialize with other children
- read books, stories, rhymes
- celebrate when child performs new task
- encourage imaginary play
Ninth visit (2 years after birth):
Child milestones at 2 years:
| mimics others | dress up, pretend play | 2-3 word sentences | tantrums, show feelings | running |
Tips for child development at 2 years:
- communicate during daily tasks with child
- outdoor play, describe play to child
- singing and dancing
- help child flip through books, describe pictures
- visit parks, libraries
Tenth visit (3 and 1/2 years after birth):
Child milestones at 3 1/2 years:
| running, climbing stairs | social play with other children, sharing | drawing, cutting | asking questions | thinking about their feelings as well as others |
Pediatrician appointment:
Education:
- kindergarten preparation
- vision health
Tips for child development at 3 1/2 years:
- sharing, turn-taking games
- drawing and describing what they drew
- play outside
- reading, ask child questions
- work together with cooking, shopping
Explore
References:
Niewijk, G. (2024, March 11). Baby’s first three doctor’s appointments: why they matter. UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/first-three-doctors-appointments
Better Health Channel. (2023, December 9). Maternal and child health services. Victoria State Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/maternal-and-child-health-services
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