Now that baby is home, get ready to go to the doctor! Babies need to see a pediatric primary care provider six times before their first birthday. Your baby is growing and changing quickly, so regular visits are important.

 

The first well-baby visit is 2 to 3 days after coming home from the hospital, when the baby is about 3 to 5 days old. After that first visit, babies need to see a pediatric provider when they’re:

If you’re worried about your baby’s health, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit — call their provider right away.

 

Though previously it was routine to have your first and only postpartum checkup around four to six weeks after you deliver (with some, like those who had C-sections or pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia, going earlier), it's now recommended that patients see their OB/GYN or midwife within three weeks of giving birth. 

 

In addition, patients who had a C-section should have their incision checked within a week of discharge. Patients with any high blood pressure concerns either while pregnant or after the baby was born, should be seen within 72 hours of discharge for a blood pressure check. Oftentimes, the visits for the incision check and blood pressure check can be combined.

 

Patients also should have regular check-ins as needed before and after, along with a comprehensive visit within 12 weeks postpartum, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).