How to Prepare for a Child's Well Baby Appointments

Newborns, infants and young toddlers will have frequent visits to their pediatrician for checkups and immunizations. These appointments are your opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you have about your child’s health and development. Take some time to prepare for these appointments.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult with your baby’s physician to determine if you should give your baby infant Tylenol before or after well baby immunizations. The doctor will advise you as to the dosage you should give your baby as well as the frequency.

2. Write down some notes pertaining to your child’s sleep and eating habits as well as the frequency of urination and bowel movements. For the first several months of your child’s life, their doctor will keep a close eye on this information. If you write down some notes you will be able to provide the pediatrician will a more accurate picture of your child’s day.

3. Prepare a list of any questions or concerns about your baby. Sometimes when you take your child to their appointment, you might forget a question you want to ask or something you need to address. Taking a list will help you to cover everything you want to discuss at your baby’s appointment.

4. Pack your baby’s insurance cards and immunization records booklet in your purse or their diaper bag. The nurses can write in the immunizations that your child receives at each appointment. When you register your child for their appointment, the hospital or doctor’s office might need to see their insurance card. Pack these items in advance so that they are not forgotten.

5. Plan to arrive at the pediatrician’s office early. There can always be something unexpected when traveling with a baby. Leaving early will help to ensure you are not late. By arriving early, you will have extra time to change your baby and even to offer them a feeding if they are hungry. You will also have more time to update any changes in your information such as addresses and telephone numbers.

6. Take copies of any pertinent medical information for your baby. If your baby has any health concerns, take copies of any records from other hospitals or doctor’s office to their pediatrician. Take written notes of any other appointments and tests your child has had if you are unable to have copies of the records to take with you.