Welcoming a new baby into the world is an amazing and joyous experience. However, it can also be stressful for new parents that do not have any experience taking care of an infant. If you're having your first child in the near future, your baby's pediatrician will be a very valuable resource. After a baby arrives, he or she will have to see the pediatrician multiple times during the first year of life for well visits. It is highly recommended that a baby have his or her first visit well visit with a pediatrician within the first several days after being born. During your baby's first well visit, you will have the opportunity to ask the pediatrician questions. Some good questions to ask include the following. 

How Often Should the Baby Be Fed?

Whether you opt to breastfeed or formula feed, it is essential to ensure that your new baby is fed properly. If you have little or no experience with newborns, you may not realize how frequently they need to be fed. Talk with your baby's pediatrician to learn more about how much your baby needs to be fed in order to grow and gain weight. In the event that you are formula feeding, your child's pediatrician will let you know how many ounces of formula to give your baby throughout the day. It can be more difficult to determine how much a breastfed baby is consuming — your child's pediatrician may suggest counting wet diapers to make sure that your baby is consuming enough breast milk.

How Can the Baby Stay Safe While Sleeping?

Ensuring a safe sleep environment is essential for your baby's health. Make sure that you talk to your child's pediatrician about ensuring that your baby is in a safe position and location when sleeping. Most doctors highly recommend that newborns sleep in a bassinet or crib. Bedsharing with a baby can be dangerous, so it usually is not recommended. Your child's pediatrician will talk with you about swaddling, if your interested in doing so, and making sure that your baby is placed on his or her back when sleeping.

What Vaccinations Will the Baby Need?

Vaccinations have made a huge difference in keeping the population safe from diseases for several decades. The standard vaccination schedule recommends that a baby get several rounds of vaccinations during the first year of life. These vaccinations will help protect your baby from dangerous diseases, such as whooping cough and measles. Your child's pediatrician will be able to review the vaccination schedule and explain what each vaccination is for. 

For more information, reach out to a pediatric physician.