- Schedule your first appointment with your doctor soon after your baby is born. It should happen within the first week of going home from the hospital.
- The doctor or nurse will weigh your baby and measure their length and head circumference. Ask if baby’s weight check is within the normal range.
- Ask what baby vaccinations are needed and when. Your doctor may have a copy of your provinces vaccination schedule for you to take home.
- Ask if your baby’s sleeping patterns are as expected. Share how your family is adjusting to having a new baby at home.
- Ask about safe sleeping and about reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- Ask about breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and where you can get support if you have any concerns.
- Many or all of the newborn screening tests will be done while you are still in the hospital. Check with your doctor that they were all completed.
- Ask how you can safely bathe your baby and how often. You can also read our checklist on how to bathe a newborn.
- Ask how you safely trim baby’s nails.
Sources
Canadian Paediatric Society. Schedule of well-child visits. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/schedule_of_well_child_visits Accessed September 2020.
Related articles
Combination Feeding: Combining Breast Feeding & Formula-Feeding
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding or combo feeding, is when you feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula.
4 mins to read
Babies love to sleep, eat, repeat. Right? Except the sleep bit can sometimes take work.
3 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
Baby digestion development | First days
By Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician
3 mins to read
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and for you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
2 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for and how to deal with them
Having a baby and becoming a first-time parent is a massive emotional rollercoaster. Here are 9 emotions after giving birth that you may be experiencing.
3 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Baby’s first bath will be a new experience for both of you, so give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy it.
3 mins to read
Healthy babies cry. It helps them to express their needs and some babies cry more than others.
3 mins to read
How to start complementary feeding
Starting complementary feeding is an exciting time. Here are our top tips on how and when to start baby food from our resident dietitian.
4 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
Introducing baby’s first foods? Be prepared with this handy kit
Now the adventure really starts!
3 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Bottle-feeding might look easy but there’s a fair bit to swallow. So here’s a list of bottle-feeding tips, covering bottle-feeding positions, setting a bottle-feeding routine, and more.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read
10 tips for a sound baby sleep routine
Baby sleep routines can vary enormously, often causing poor parents many a sleepless night. Here are some bedtime routine tips to help your baby sleep through the night.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
Find recipes for you and your little one.