Pediatric services
Newborn Care
Visits and support for your baby's first weeks: feeding, growth and early development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your baby's first visit at 3 to 5 days old, within 2 to 3 days of leaving the hospital. At early visits, Dr. Ilyayeva checks feeding, weight, jaundice and overall health, and answers your questions.
Who it's for
Newborns, young infants and expecting parents. If you're pregnant, you can choose your baby's pediatrician before delivery so the first visit is easy to arrange.
What happens at the visit
- Weight, length and head size, compared with birth measurements
- A full physical exam, including a check for jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Feeding review: breastfeeding, formula or both, and how often your baby eats
- Review of hospital newborn screening and hearing results, and any vaccines given in the hospital
- Sleep, safety and car-seat questions
- A plan for the next visit
How to prepare
- Bring hospital discharge papers and any newborn screening results you were given.
- Bring your insurance card. If the baby isn't on a plan yet, bring yours and tell us.
- Keep a simple log of feeds and wet and dirty diapers for a day or two.
- Write down your questions.
When to contact the office
Call the office if you're worried about feeding, fewer wet diapers, yellow skin or eyes, or anything else about your baby. Dr. Ilyayeva sees newborns in the office only; she does not visit babies in the hospital.
When to get urgent help
A baby 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs to be checked by a doctor right away, even if they seem fine otherwise. Call the office immediately; if you can't reach us, go to an emergency room. Call 911 if your baby is having trouble breathing, has blue lips, is very hard to wake, or has a seizure.
This page is general information based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (AAP: Fever and your baby, AAP: Schedule of well-child visits, AAP: When your child needs emergency medical services). Medical reviewer: Dr. Irina Ilyayeva, MD (reviewed periodically). It isn't medical advice. Call us at (917) 832-6562 with questions about your child.
Our approach
After the first weeks, your baby continues with well-child visits at our office as they grow. We offer prenatal (meet-the-doctor) visits, so expecting parents can meet Dr. Ilyayeva before the baby is born. Call us to book one.
Insurance
Coverage depends on your child's plan. See our insurance page and check your child's benefits with your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
When should my newborn's first visit be?
The AAP recommends the first visit at 3 to 5 days old (within 2 to 3 days of leaving the hospital), then another visit by 1 month. Your hospital may give you a specific date.
What if my baby isn't on insurance yet?
Call us. Most plans let you add a newborn, but there is usually a deadline, often 30 to 60 days after birth. Contact your plan soon, and we can tell you what to bring.
Is it normal for my baby to lose weight at first?
Yes. Most newborns lose some weight in the first days and are back to their birth weight by about 2 weeks. We check this at the first visits, so please keep those appointments.
Can I call with feeding questions?
Yes. Call (917) 832-6562 during office hours.
Related
Sources for parents
Schedule a newborn visit
Call the office to book.