Your baby's health was important when it was still in the womb. You ate healthy, junk food cravings notwithstanding, you took your prenatal vitamins, you exercised, and you saw your doctor on a regular basis. But, the health of your baby doesn't end when it's born. It continues throughout its life and it starts with the one-month checkup.
Not long after you bring your baby home from the hospital it is very important to set up a checkup. You don't have to wait an entire month as this checkup can take place between two to four weeks after your baby is born. However, if you find that your baby isn't doing well, or doesn't appear to be healthy in any way, then by all means go see your doctor immediately. Don't wait a month!
Why one month you ask? This is about how long it's going to take for you to start getting to know your baby. Within a month you should be more familiar with its eating and sleeping habits, how often it eliminates, whether or not it's colicky, etc. You will come to know your baby more so than when it was in the womb. You'll know if something doesn't appear to be going right, or if something seems unusual.
At the one-month checkup, you'll have a chance have a chance to have your questions answered. Make sure to write them all down so you don't forget. As a matter of fact, you can even start a sort of journal for your baby and bring that with you. Make copious notes, and ask all the questions you want. Your doctor is there to help you, and put you at ease.
Some things you may ask are what types of medical supplies you should have in your house to care for your baby in case of a small accident or if it becomes ill. Something else that can be disconcerting is the thought of your child choking or suddenly stopping breathing. You should definitely ask your doctor what you must do if these situations occur, as knowing these can save your baby's life.
Make sure to keep your doctors phone number in a handy place. Another phone number you need to have readily available is the AAPCC (American Association of Poison Control). The number is 1-800-22-1222. Call it immediately if you suspect that your baby has ingested any harmful substances. Make sure to note what you suspect your baby has eaten, and what symptoms appear to be present.
Always remember that much like grown-up health, baby health is all about prevention. The one-month checkup is the perfect time for your doctor to assess your baby's health, and catch anything early. Prevention is usually the best medicine so finding issues with your baby's health now can prevent bigger health issues later.
Not long after you bring your baby home from the hospital it is very important to set up a checkup. You don't have to wait an entire month as this checkup can take place between two to four weeks after your baby is born. However, if you find that your baby isn't doing well, or doesn't appear to be healthy in any way, then by all means go see your doctor immediately. Don't wait a month!
Why one month you ask? This is about how long it's going to take for you to start getting to know your baby. Within a month you should be more familiar with its eating and sleeping habits, how often it eliminates, whether or not it's colicky, etc. You will come to know your baby more so than when it was in the womb. You'll know if something doesn't appear to be going right, or if something seems unusual.
At the one-month checkup, you'll have a chance have a chance to have your questions answered. Make sure to write them all down so you don't forget. As a matter of fact, you can even start a sort of journal for your baby and bring that with you. Make copious notes, and ask all the questions you want. Your doctor is there to help you, and put you at ease.
Some things you may ask are what types of medical supplies you should have in your house to care for your baby in case of a small accident or if it becomes ill. Something else that can be disconcerting is the thought of your child choking or suddenly stopping breathing. You should definitely ask your doctor what you must do if these situations occur, as knowing these can save your baby's life.
Make sure to keep your doctors phone number in a handy place. Another phone number you need to have readily available is the AAPCC (American Association of Poison Control). The number is 1-800-22-1222. Call it immediately if you suspect that your baby has ingested any harmful substances. Make sure to note what you suspect your baby has eaten, and what symptoms appear to be present.
Always remember that much like grown-up health, baby health is all about prevention. The one-month checkup is the perfect time for your doctor to assess your baby's health, and catch anything early. Prevention is usually the best medicine so finding issues with your baby's health now can prevent bigger health issues later.