Newborn Care in Baymeadows,
Jacksonville, FL
Bringing home a new baby is exciting, and it comes with a lot of questions. Starfish Pediatrics in Baymeadows provides newborn care that starts with a first checkup within 3-5 days of birth, so your baby gets a strong start and you feel confident at home.
Our pediatric team offers help with breastfeeding, circumcision (up to 1 month), Jaundice, and baby sleep schedules, all in the office your family already trusts.
Call (904) 347-2773 or request a newborn appointment online today.
Your Newborn’s First Pediatrician Visit
Starfish Pediatrics recommends that every newborn have a well-child exam within 3-5 days of birth. This first visit gives your pediatrician a chance to check how your baby is doing after leaving the hospital and gives you a trusted place to bring your questions.
What Happens During a Newborn Exam?
At your baby’s first visit, your pediatrician will:
- Complete a physical exam from head to toe
- Look for signs of illness or birth defects
- Give vaccines as recommended
- Teach you and other caregivers best practices for feeding, diaper changes, and swaddling
- Answer your questions about sleep, crying, and what’s normal in the first weeks
- Weight and feeding check, jaundice screening
Newborn Care Topics We Cover
New parents often wonder about the same things. Your pediatrician can talk with you about:
- Feeding, whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both
- Diapering and bathing, including what to expect in the early weeks
- Swaddling and safe sleep
- Growth and development milestones
- Umbilical cord and skin care
- Caring for yourself and getting the support you need as a new parent
How Often Will My Baby Be Seen?
After the first visit within 3-5 days of birth, your pediatrician will set up a checkup schedule based on your baby’s needs. Babies are seen often in the first months of life so growth, development, and vaccines can be tracked closely.
What to Bring to Your Newborn’s First Appointment
- Health insurance information
- Your photo ID
- Hospital discharge paperwork and birth records
- A list of questions you want to ask
- Your baby’s feeding log, if you’ve been keeping one
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call us right away if your newborn has any of these signs:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Poor feeding or refusing to eat
- Unusual sleepiness or trouble waking
- Trouble breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes that is spreading or getting worse
- Fewer wet diapers than expected
If you think it’s an emergency, call 911.
Newborn Care FAQs
When should my newborn first see a pediatrician?
Starfish Pediatrics recommends that every newborn have a well-child exam within 3-5 days of birth.
What happens at a newborn checkup?
Your pediatrician performs a physical exam, looks for signs of illness or birth defects, gives vaccines, and teaches you and other caregivers about feeding, diaper changes, and swaddling.
How often do newborns and babies need checkups?
After the first visit within 3-5 days of birth, your pediatrician will create a checkup schedule for your baby. Babies are seen frequently in the first months so growth and development can be closely monitored.
When should I call the pediatrician about my newborn?
Call right away if your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, is feeding poorly, is unusually sleepy or hard to wake, has trouble breathing, or you’re worried about how they look or act. For emergencies, call 911.
What should I bring to my newborn's first appointment?
Bring your baby’s insurance information, your photo ID, any hospital discharge paperwork, and a list of questions. If you take medications that may affect feeding, bring that list too.
Can both parents and other caregivers attend the visit?
es. Starfish Pediatrics teaches parents and other caregivers about feeding, diapering, and swaddling, so everyone who cares for your baby is welcome to attend.
