The New Parent’s Guide to Pediatrician Visits: Growth, Feeding & Feeling Supported

Welcome to the World of Baby Checkups

‍

You’ve just had a baby—congrats! Between the feedings, the diapers, and the “wait, did I already do this side?” moments, one thing is certain: you’ll be seeing your pediatrician a lot in your baby’s first year.

Whether it’s the very first visit or a 6-month milestone checkup, here’s what to expect, what to ask, and how to feel even a little prepared—even if you're running on goldfish crackers and four hours of sleep.

‍

The First Pediatrician Visit (Usually Day 3–5)

‍

Your baby’s first appointment usually happens within a few days of birth. It might be the first time you leave the house as a new family—no pressure. Truly. You can show up in pajamas.

What happens:

• Weight and feeding check
• A full physical exam
• Jaundice check
• Questions about diaper output, sleep, and any newborn concerns

Your pediatrician is there to check baby’s health—but also to support you. Don’t be surprised if they ask how you’re doing (more on that below).

‍

What if "Your" Pediatrician Can't See You in This First Appointment?

‍

Seriously, it's not a big deal. Just see whoever is in your practice. The big thing that happens here is to make sure you are doing OK and your baby is growing. This first appointment is time dependent, the others are more flexible so you can see your provider.

‍

The Baby Wellness Visit Schedule

‍

Here’s the general checkup timeline for baby’s first year:

• 3–5 days old
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months

Each visit includes:

• Growth tracking
• Developmental milestone checks
• Vaccinations
• Sleep, feeding, and safety guidance
• Time for your questions

Some visits are short and sweet. Others are emotional (shots are tough—on everyone). But all of them help ensure your baby is growing, developing, and thriving.

‍

📊 Wait—What’s a Growth Chart?

‍

A growth chart is a tool pediatricians use to track your baby’s physical development over time. It’s based on thousands of data points from children around the world and shows how your baby compares to others of the same age and sex.

You’ll hear terms like:

• Weight-for-age
• Length-for-age
• Head circumference-for-age

Each is charted as a percentile—so a baby in the 30th percentile for weight weighs more than 30% of babies that age, and less than 70%.

But here’s the most important part:

It doesn’t matter if your baby is in the 12th percentile or the 70th. What matters is that they stay near their curve. A baby consistently tracking along the 12th percentile is likely just as healthy as a baby tracking at the 70th.

What raises red flags is a sudden drop—say, your 12th percentile baby suddenly falls to the 5th. That might signal a feeding or medical issue, and your pediatrician will help figure out what’s going on.

‍

What If My Baby Isn’t Gaining Enough?

‍

One of the most important parts of these visits is making sure your baby is growing well. If your baby’s weight gain slows or drops off their curve, it could be a sign of feeding difficulties or a medical issue.

Your provider may use the term “failure to thrive”—which sounds scary, but simply means your baby isn’t getting what they need to grow at a healthy pace. They might:

• Review how your baby is feeding (bottle, breast, or combo)
• Suggest lactation or formula support
• Screen for conditions like reflux, tongue tie, or allergies
• Help you build a customized feeding plan

The earlier it’s spotted, the easier it is to address.

‍

A Note for the Feeding Parent

‍

Remember—feeding is about more than just your baby. It’s about you, too.

Breastfeeding moms often carry the emotional weight when growth becomes a concern, but here’s what we want you to hear: you are not alone, and this is not your fault. There are many ways to feed a baby—and what matters most is that your baby is nourished, loved, and growing.

If your baby isn’t gaining enough, it doesn’t mean you did something wrong. It might simply mean it’s time for more support—whether that’s a lactation consultant, formula supplementation, or just someone to sit with you and say, “You’re doing everything you can.”

Needing help is not a failure. It’s part of the journey—and asking for it is one of the most loving things you can do, for your baby and for yourself.

‍

And Yes—They’re Checking on You Too

‍

Pediatric visits aren’t just about your baby. Many providers also screen moms and birthing parents for postpartum mental health. You might not expect it—but it’s one of the most important parts of the visit.

They may:

• Ask how you’re feeling emotionally
• Screen for postpartum depression or anxiety
• Offer referrals or resources for support
• Encourage rest and realistic expectations

Even if no one asks, you can bring it up. Your wellbeing matters. A thriving baby starts with a supported parent.

‍

{{trendingoffer}}

‍

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

‍

You’re allowed to show up with a list—actually, it’s encouraged. Here are a few common (and important!) questions:

• Is my baby growing normally?
• Are they getting enough to eat?
• How should we be sleeping at this age?
• Are their poop patterns typical?
• What developmental milestones should I watch for?
• What’s the vaccine schedule?
• I’m feeling overwhelmed—can we talk about that?

‍

Supporting Your Whole Family

‍

At Villie, we believe showing up to pediatric appointments is a big deal. Whether you feel confident or totally unsure, these visits are one of the best ways to care for your baby—and yourself.

Our Care Calendar makes it easy for your village to show up for the logistics: rides to the doctor, help with older siblings, or even just snacks in the car after shots.

‍

You’ve Got This

‍

Some visits are smooth. Others are hard. But with each one, you’re learning how to advocate for your baby, track their growth, and notice the little things that matter.

You’re doing great. One visit at a time.

‍

Shop Villie Favorites

‍

{{cluster}}

‍