Newborn Care
Pediatricians in Houston, Texas
.
Welcoming the newest member of your family is one of the most exciting periods in life. At Katy Pediatric Associates, we want to help you enjoy this moment with peace of mind by taking the best care of your little one.
Our seasoned team of compassionate pediatricians will carefully follow your newborn’s initial development and create a personalized plan for the future.
What Is Newborn Care?
A newborn is any child under 28 days of age, according to the World Health Organization. During this period, close healthcare is essential, as they are at their most vulnerable and delicate state.
You should take your newborn for a specialized doctor’s appointment between two and five days after birth to make sure everything is in order, address any concerns, and start a pediatric plan for the next weeks and months to come.
Reminder
Bring your child’s discharge papers from the hospital for your first newborn visit.
Call Us or Send Message Us Now To Request An Appointment
What’s Included in a Newborn Assessment?
At Katy Pediatric Associates, our comprehensive newborn exam includes:
Feeding Evaluation
If you are having particular concerns on how your child is feeding, you should mention it to your pediatrician. A feeding evaluation can be done to identify any issues or ensure the baby is getting the necessary nutrients.
For this, your pediatrician will make questions and tests to understand your baby’s oral feeding skills, feeding behavior, and nutritional intake.
Measurements
One of the most important tasks during a newborn assessment is to measure certain body aspects. These will give your pediatrician key information on your child’s health and if additional steps must be taken.
- Weight: The average newborn weight ranges between 5.5 to 8.8 pounds (2.5 to 4 kilograms). It’s important to know this because abnormally light or heavy babies could be prone to certain complications. Additionally, your pediatrician will compare the current weight to measurements made at the moment of birth, since variations can happen and must be tracked.
- Length: Typically, newborns are around 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 centimeters), when measured from the top of their head to the heel of one of their feet.
- Head circumference: The distance around your child’s head is usually 13.75 inches or 35 centimeters. It’s important to keep track of this, as it will give your pediatrician signs on how your newborn’s brain growth and development is progressing.
Keep in mind that these factors can be influenced by genetics, gender, gestational age at birth, and the mother’s health and nutrition during the pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will take all the necessary information into account during the exam.
Physical Examination
A complete physical exam will allow your pediatrician to understand the state of your baby’s overall health and vital functions. Besides evaluating their appearance, muscle tone, posture, level of consciousness and response, etc, they also measure:
- Temperature
- Heartbeat
- Breathing rate
- Oxygen saturation
A whole body evaluation will be done to check for any abnormalities or warning signs in the:
- Skin
- Head
- Neck
- Face
- Eyes
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Ears
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Throat
- Lungs
- Abdomen
- Genitals
Your Trusted Pediatric Practice
Apart from monitoring your child’s evolution, at our pediatric practice, we will work with your family to ensure their best growth and allow your tranquility. Despite all the positive emotions of becoming a parent, we know how stressful of a time it can be. Let us guide you through the right health path for you and your little one.
At Katy Pediatric Associates, we are here for you and your family through all of the ups and downs of welcoming your child into your life. To learn more about the options available for newborn care in Houston, Texas, schedule your visit by calling 281-492-7676 or send us a message online today.