Newborn Care and Newborn Checks in Beaverton
The first days and weeks with a new baby are full of joy and plenty of questions. At Tanasbourne Pediatrics in Beaverton, OR , our physicians provide thorough newborn checks and warm, practical guidance for new parents. We see babies starting at 2 to 5 days of age to make sure your little one is feeding well, gaining weight, and adjusting to life outside the womb, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
What Happens at Your Baby’s Newborn Check
Your baby’s first visit is one of the most important appointments of their life. During the newborn check, your pediatrician will:
- Measure weight, length, and head circumference and compare them to birth measurements
- Check for jaundice, a common yellowing of the skin in the first week
- Evaluate feeding, whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both
- Examine the heart, lungs, eyes, hips, skin, and umbilical cord
- Review hospital records, newborn screening results, and hearing screening
- Talk with you about sleep, crying, diapers, and safe sleep practices
The Newborn Visit Schedule
Following American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, newborns are seen at 2 to 5 days of age, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, then at 2 months when routine immunizations begin. These early visits allow us to catch concerns early and transition your baby into regular well-child checks.
Expert Support for New Parents
Parents often tell us how much they value our time and patience in the newborn period. We answer questions about feeding, spit-up, sleep schedules, umbilical cord care, fevers, and when to call the doctor. For families who choose it, we also offer newborn circumcision. Our newborn parents page includes helpful links on safe sleep, SIDS prevention, and vaccines, along with the forms you need before your first visit.
Meet Us Before Your Baby Arrives
Expecting a baby? We welcome expecting parents to reach out before delivery so you can get to know our physicians and our approach. Establishing care early means that when your baby is born, you already have a trusted pediatrician ready to help. Learn more about our practice, then call (503) 690-8195 to schedule your newborn’s first visit.
When to Call About Your Newborn
Call our office right away if your newborn has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, is feeding poorly, has fewer wet diapers than expected, seems unusually sleepy or hard to wake, or has yellow skin that is spreading or worsening. After hours, our answering service can connect you with the doctor on call. Call 911 for any breathing difficulty or emergency.
Newborn Care FAQs
When should my newborn see a pediatrician for the first time?
Your baby’s first newborn check should take place between 2 and 5 days of age, usually within a couple of days after leaving the hospital.
What does a pediatrician check at a newborn visit?
We check weight, feeding, jaundice, heart, lungs, eyes, hips, skin, and the umbilical cord, and review hospital and newborn screening results.
Is jaundice in newborns normal?
Mild jaundice is common in the first week of life, but it needs to be monitored. Your pediatrician will check jaundice levels at the newborn visit.
How often will my baby be seen in the first month?
Newborns are typically seen at 2 to 5 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of age, with additional visits if feeding or weight gain needs closer monitoring.
Can you help with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding questions?
Yes. Our pediatricians evaluate feeding at every newborn visit and help parents with latch, feeding frequency, formula, and weight gain concerns.
Is a fever serious in a newborn?
Yes. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher in a baby under 2 months old should be reported to your pediatrician right away.
Can we choose Tanasbourne Pediatrics before our baby is born?
Yes. We encourage expecting parents to contact our Beaverton office to establish care before delivery.