Newborns
Your Newborn's First Pediatrician Visit: A Checklist for NYC Parents
When to schedule your baby's first visit, what to bring, the 30-day insurance deadline, and how to choose a pediatrician on the Upper East Side before your due date.
By the Uptown Pediatrics team · · 5 min read
Congratulations! Whether you're still expecting or just home from the hospital, here's everything you need for your baby's first visit with us.
Before your baby arrives
- Schedule a prenatal visit. Meet the practice, ask questions, and get a feel for the office. Download the prenatal visit form.
- Delivering at Mount Sinai? Let us know. We have privileges in Mount Sinai's newborn nursery, and one of our doctors will stop by to meet your baby after birth.
When is the first visit?
We like to see newborns about 2 days after hospital discharge, then again at 2 – 4 weeks. Try to book newborn visits at the beginning of office hours to avoid waiting-room backups.
The 30-day insurance deadline
Your baby is covered under your insurance for the first 30 days only. Enroll your baby with your insurance carrier as soon as possible. If you miss that window, your child won't have coverage under your policy.
What to bring
- Your own insurance card
- Any records from the hospital
- A diaper bag: diapers, a change of clothes, and a bottle of formula if you're not breastfeeding
- Your list of questions (no question is too small)
When you arrive, let the receptionist know you have a newborn so they can seat you in our newborn waiting area, away from older kids who might be sick.
Breastfeeding help
Our nursing supervisor, Nurse Mesi (Emese Szirtes, RN, IBCLC), is a board-certified lactation consultant. If feeding is hard, and it often is at first, ask for her.
Checkups in the first year
After the newborn visits, we'll see your baby at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. See the full well visit schedule.
Ready to join the practice? Call 212-427-0540 or fill out the new patient forms.
