Ask a pediatrician: What new parents should know in their child’s first year

When becoming a parent for the first time, it is normal to feel uncertain about the best ways to care for your baby. In this guide, we answer the common questions new parents ask their provider, with expertise provided by pediatrician at Riley Children’s Health, Chioma R. Allen, DO, to help you feel more confident in your journey ahead.

“It’s important to maintain a relationship with your child provider so they can get to know your child and provide them with the best possible care,” Dr. Allen said. “Relationships build trust, so finding a provider you feel comfortable with is so vital.”

When should I make a visit to my pediatrician?

When your baby is born, you will need to schedule a pediatrician visit within 24-72 hours after discharge from the hospital. At the time of your visit, your pediatrician will do a full head-to-toe exam. They will also check for common newborn issues.

Following your first appointment, consistent well-child visits are recommended to continue monitoring your child’s health. During the first year of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends monthly pediatric visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months of age.

How should my baby be growing?

Your primary care provider will evaluate your child’s growth during well-visit exams. Generally, babies follow the same basic guidelines as they grow:

• Weight: In your newborn’s first few months, they should gain about one ounce a day. Their weight should double at about 4 months of age and triple by 1 year of age.
• Height: Your baby should grow about one inch a month in their first few months of life. From 7-12 months, they should grow about half an inch per month. By 1 year of age, their height should increase by 50% from what it was at birth.
• Head size: By 1 month old, your baby’s head will grow about one inch in circumference. From 6-12 months, your baby’s head will grow about a quarter inch per month.

How should I be feeding my baby?

Whether you do breast milk, formula or a combination of both, you should always stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Most newborns need 8-12 feedings a day. At 6 months old, you can start introducing solid food to their diet, in addition to their milk. If you notice your baby is not sucking or rejecting their food, seek guidance from your provider or visit a lactation consultant.

What does a typical sleep schedule look like?

On average, your baby’s sleep schedule should involve 15-17 hours of sleep time. This is most important during their first few months of life. By 9-12 months, your newborn should be sleeping about 14 hours a day.

What vaccines does my newborn baby need and when?

Your newborn will need a handful of vaccines during the first few months of their life. The AAP recommends following their planned childhood vaccine schedule to ensure prevention.

“The recommended schedule by the AAP is the best schedule to follow to protect your baby and prevent the spread of illnesses,” Dr. Allen said. “When you follow an alternative schedule or even spread the vaccines out, this puts children and communities at risk for serious and preventable illnesses.”

What developmental milestones should my baby be reaching and when?

Your baby should progress in areas like motor skills, social behaviors and cognitive development. According to the AAP, here are some of the developmental milestones your baby should be reaching and when:

• At 1 month:
  • Sucks well
  • Cries out distress
  • Gazes at black/white objects
• At 4 months
  • Rolls from front to back
  • Stares at familiar faces
  • Sits with trunk support
• At 6 months
  • Reaches with one hand
  • Touches reflection and vocalizes
  • Bangs and shakes toys
• At 12 months
  • Stands well
  • Points to objects
  • Takes steps

What do I do in case of an emergency?

In a medical emergency, your baby may show some of the following:

• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Passing out or blacking out
• Coughing or throwing up

If you notice these signs, immediately call 911. For more about when to seek appropriate care, view our symptom guide.

While your baby’s first year will be full of change and uncertainty at times, asking the right questions and knowing what to expect can put you at ease. Fortunately, you’ll never have to navigate the journey alone with our experts here at Riley Children’s.

To learn more about pediatric care, visit primary care at Riley Children’s.