Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting experience for first time parents and experienced parents alike. New Kent Pediatrics is here to help guide you every step of the way in caring for your newborn. One of our goals in caring for newborns includes protecting the health of your baby by making sure baby is growing and meeting developmental milestones, as well as offering the necessary vaccines to protect your child from diseases. We will partner with you to ensure you feel supported and comfortable in all facets of caring for your child. 

Prenatal Consultation for Expectant Parents

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all expecting first-time parents meet with pediatric healthcare providers in the third trimester of pregnancy to take the first step in establishing a nurturing and comfortable medical home for your child. New Kent Pediatrics is pleased to provide a complimentary consultation for expecting parents. At this preliminary infant care visit, you will meet the team, be able to look around the office and ask any questions you have about the services provided. We want you to feel assured that you have chosen the best pediatric healthcare provider for your child. 

Important Newborn Safety Guidelines

In caring for your newborn baby, New Kent Pediatrics offers guidelines to follow to keep your newborn as safe and healthy as possible.

• While in the car, always place your newborn in a rear facing car seat in the back of the vehicle away from airbags
• Remove all loose bedding and stuffed animals from the crib or sleep area
• Be sure to place baby on his or her back to sleep while in the crib or bassinet for napping and nighttime sleeping
• If you have concerns about your baby’s latch or if he or she is getting enough breastmilk, please call our office at (804) 223-3608, we are here to help
• Do not smoke around your baby in the home or car
• When bathing baby, make sure the temperature of the water is warm, but not hot 
• Wash hands before handling the baby and try to keep sick people away from baby for the first few weeks
• If your baby feels warm to the touch or possibly feverish, take a rectal temperature and call the office at (804) 223-3608 if your baby has a fever of 100.5 or more

Feeding Your Baby

New Kent Pediatrics supports and respects a mother’s choice on whether to breastfeed or formula feed her baby. Healthcare professionals believe breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for baby as he grows and develops; however, formula is a healthy alternative for mothers who do not choose or are unable to breastfeed. Formula is fortified with nutrients to help your baby grow and thrive. Ensuring your baby is receiving the necessary nutrition for proper growth and development is a priority of our team. 

Jenny Brady, MSN, CPNP, of New Kent Pediatrics offers lactation support to help you manage any challenges that may come when breastfeeding. We also offer weight checks as frequently as needed to make sure baby is gaining weight and getting the calories she needs to grow. If you have any questions or concerns about nursing, or if you feel your baby is not gaining adequate weight, please call us (804) 223-3608.  Our team is happy to help and provide support in all aspects of newborn feeding. 

Checkups for Newborns

Infancy is a time of rapid growth for your baby. In their first year, babies will come visit their pediatric healthcare provider for infant care at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24-months of age. During these well visits, we will track the growth and development of your baby. We will weigh and measure your baby and check the head circumference. These are important data points that we can chart to ensure your baby is growing and developing within the normal guidelines. 

Disease Prevention 

Your child is scheduled to get regular immunizations at these visits to help protect them from potentially life altering diseases, such as:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Measles, mumps and rubella

In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics, New Kent Pediatrics recommends that all babies receive immunizations according to the schedule recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccination Schedule. If you have any questions or concerns about scheduled vaccinations, please don’t hesitate to call us (804) 223-3608.

Questions or Concerns

As the parent of a new baby, we understand that you may have questions or concerns about infant care that you would like to discuss during our well visits. New Kent Pediatrics encourages you to write a list of questions and bring it with you to our visit so we can address these topics. By bringing a list with you, you can be sure to remember your concerns and have them addressed quickly. You know your baby best. We are here to listen and provide any information we can to help you take the very best care of your children.