GUIDE
Your baby's first real checkup. Here's how to walk in prepared instead of panicked.
What they'll ask, what to bring, and what 'normal' actually looks like at 2 weeks old.
| Topic | What They Want to Know | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Weight gain | Has baby regained birth weight? | Know birth weight and any weights taken since. Most babies lose 5–10% and regain it by 10–14 days. |
| Feeding frequency | How often and how much is baby eating? | Track feeds for at least 2–3 days before the visit. Note times, amounts (oz or minutes per side), and whether breast or bottle. |
| Wet diapers | Is baby producing enough urine? | Count wet diapers daily. By day 5 you should see 6+ per day. Mention any unusual color or strong odor. |
| Dirty diapers | What do stools look like? How often? | Note frequency and color. Should have transitioned from black meconium to yellow/seedy (breastfed) or tan/brown (formula). |
| Jaundice | Is yellowing improving or getting worse? | Look at baby's skin and whites of the eyes in natural light. If yellowing spread below the belly button or baby seems extra sleepy, mention it. |
| Umbilical cord | Has it fallen off? Any signs of infection? | Note if there's redness, swelling, oozing, or a bad smell around the stump. It usually falls off between 7–21 days. |
| Sleep patterns | How much is baby sleeping? Are they waking for feeds? | General idea of total sleep hours and longest stretch. Doctor wants to make sure baby isn't sleeping through feeds. |
Not hitting every single one of these? Don't panic. That's literally why this appointment exists — so your pediatrician can check and give you a game plan.
Log feedings, diapers, and sleep in a few taps. When the doctor asks 'how many wet diapers per day?' you pull up the app instead of guessing. It takes 10 seconds per entry and saves you from the blank stare.
Open your notes app and start a running list. Every time you think 'I should ask about that,' add it. You will blank the second you walk into the office.
Two sets of ears are better than one when you're running on 4 hours of sleep. One of you can hold the baby while the other takes notes.
Every baby in that room is on their own curve. The 3-week-old who seems twice the size of yours might have been born 3 pounds heavier. It means nothing.
This one question reduces so much anxiety between appointments. You'll know what's normal and what actually warrants a call.
Your pediatrician can screen for postpartum depression and connect you with resources. They care about the parent, not just the baby.
