When should the first pediatric appointment be?

The first appointment should happen within 3 to 7 days after birth. It is essential for evaluating the newborn, addressing breastfeeding questions, and monitoring weight gain.

What should I bring to the first appointment?

Bring the vaccination booklet, hospital discharge documents, newborn screening test results, a list of your questions, diapers, a change of clothes, and your insurance documentation if applicable.

What does the pediatrician check at the first visit?

The pediatrician evaluates weight, length, reflexes, fontanelle, jaundice, breastfeeding technique, umbilical cord healing, and neurological development.

First Pediatric Appointment in Brazil: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your baby's first pediatric appointmentis a special moment filled with questions. In this guide, you will learn what happens during the visit, what to bring, essential questions to ask, and how to make the most of this important first meeting with your child's pediatrician — especially as an expat family navigating healthcare in Brazil.

When Should the First Appointment Be?

The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) recommends that the first appointment happen in the first week of life, ideally between 3 and 5 days after hospital discharge. If you have just arrived in Sao Paulo with a newborn, finding an English-speaking pediatrician quickly is essential.

Why So Early?

In the first days, it is critical to evaluate:

• Jaundice — may require treatment
• Breastfeeding — proper latch and milk supply
• Weight — babies lose up to 10% of birth weight but need to recover it
• Bowel and bladder function — normal stool and urine patterns
• Umbilical cord stump — care and hygiene

What to Bring to the First Appointment

Documents

Vaccination booklet, hospital discharge card, newborn screening results (heel prick, hearing, eye tests), and insurance documentation if applicable. For expats, bring any vaccination records from your home country — the pediatrician will reconcile them with the Brazilian vaccination schedule.

List of Questions

Write down all your questions. In the first days, it is normal to have MANY doubts about breastfeeding, sleep, colic, and more. Having them written down ensures nothing is forgotten.

Diaper Bag

Diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, blanket, and pacifier (if used)

Partner or Support Person

If possible, attend together. Four ears catch more information than two, and emotional support matters — especially when you are far from extended family.

What Happens During the Appointment

1. Medical History (Anamnesis)

The pediatrician will ask about:

•Pregnancy (complications, prenatal exams)
•Delivery (type, complications, Apgar score)
•Birth weight and weight at discharge
•Breastfeeding (exclusive, mixed, formula)
•Output (how many wet and dirty diapers per day)
•Sleep patterns (how many hours, waking to feed)
•Family medical history

2. Complete Physical Examination

The baby will be examined head to toe:

Head and Neck

Fontanelles (soft spots), eyes, ears, mouth, palate

Chest

Heart and lung auscultation

Abdomen

Umbilical cord stump, palpation, hernias

Genitalia

Anatomical verification

Hips

Maneuvers to detect hip dysplasia

Skin

Jaundice, birthmarks, rashes (including early signs of eczema)

3. Growth Assessment

• Weight: Compared to birth weight
• Length: Head-to-toe measurement
• Head circumference: Tracked on growth charts

4. Guidance and Recommendations

A thorough pediatrician will provide guidance on:

Breastfeeding

Proper latch, feeding on demand, hunger cues

Sleep

Normal patterns, safe sleep practices (back sleeping, no pillow)

Hygiene

Bathing, umbilical cord care, diaper changes

Vitamins

Vitamin D supplementation (dose and timing)

Warning Signs

When to seek urgent care

10 Essential Questions to Ask

1.“Is my baby's weight on track? When should they regain their birth weight?”
2.“Is breastfeeding going well? Is the latch correct?”
3.“What is the correct vitamin D dose and how should I give it?”
4.“Can I bathe the baby every day? What is the ideal water temperature?”
5.“Is the stool color and consistency normal? What should I expect?”
6.“When should we come back for the next appointment?”
7.“How do I reach you for questions or urgent concerns? Is telemedicine available?”
8.“Can we receive visitors? What hygiene precautions should they follow?”
9.“When do vaccinations start? Do I need to bring the vaccination booklet?”
10.“Is spit-up normal? When should I worry?”

What Expat Families Should Know

In Brazil, pediatric consultations are typically much longer and more thorough than what you may be accustomed to in the US or UK. A private (particular) first visit lasts 40-60 minutes, giving you ample time to discuss everything. Dr. Paula provides all documentation, prescriptions, and follow-up notes in English. Learn more about the cost of pediatric consultations and how pediatric care works for expats.