Prepare for your newborn’s first visit
Care and guidance for your baby
The first office checkup helps your pediatrician review feeding, growth and the transition home. Contact Gentle Touch Pediatrics in Canarsie as soon as you have your baby’s discharge plan.
Arrange the timing with the discharge team
The first-week checkup is generally at 3–5 days of age. Your baby may need earlier or additional follow-up because of feeding, weight, jaundice, prematurity or other concerns. Follow the hospital’s instructions rather than waiting for a standard date.
When calling, share your baby’s age, discharge date and any requested follow-up. If the recommended time is approaching and no appointment is confirmed, contact the discharge team or pediatrician for guidance.
What to bring
- Hospital discharge summary and birth information.
- Birth and discharge weights, if provided.
- Vaccine record and newborn screening or hearing information.
- A list of medicines or supplements your baby receives.
- Feeding notes, wet and dirty diaper observations, and questions.
- Insurance information and any forms the office requests.
What to discuss during the visit
The clinician checks your baby’s growth and physical health and reviews feeding, screening results and family concerns. Ask about the follow-up schedule, how to reach the team and which symptoms need urgent care.
Describe how feeding is going and whether your baby wakes to feed. Ask about weight follow-up, jaundice concerns and safe sleep.
Questions from parents
Should I wait until the baby is one week old?
No. The first-week checkup is generally at 3–5 days of age, and the discharge team may recommend earlier follow-up. Arrange the visit based on those instructions.
What if I do not have all the hospital records?
Tell the office what you have and ask how missing records can be obtained. Do not delay urgent or time-sensitive follow-up while collecting paperwork.
Should I bring feeding notes?
Yes. Notes about feeding, wet diapers and stool changes help you describe what is happening at home.
Can I raise my own questions about adjusting to parenthood?
Yes. Tell the pediatrician about feeding challenges, exhaustion or concerns affecting your ability to care for your baby. The clinician can discuss support and appropriate referrals.
What if my baby becomes ill before the visit?
Call the pediatrician promptly. For fever, breathing trouble, unusual difficulty waking or other urgent symptoms, follow urgent-care guidance rather than waiting for the scheduled appointment.
More newborn guidance
Your pediatrician in Canarsie
Meet Dr. Miole Pierre Pigeot, MD, the practice pediatrician. Gentle Touch Pediatrics is at 9708 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Call 347-702-5161 to discuss scheduling and office hours.
Ask the office to confirm your baby’s exact insurance plan, appointment availability and any records needed.
Medical information and sources
Updated September 12, 2026. General information supports a conversation with your pediatrician and does not replace assessment of your baby. AAP: First-week checkup.