My Baby's 2 Week Visit
Two Weeks Already?
Your baby’s first few weeks of life are filled with rapid changes and beautiful firsts. The 2-week checkup is an important early milestone where we ensure your baby is adjusting well to life outside the womb. This visit gives us the chance to check in on your baby’s health and development and to answer any questions you may have as new parents.
Physical Screening
During the physical screening, your pediatrician will perform a thorough head-to-toe examination, checking your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference. They’ll also evaluate reflexes, muscle tone, and overall physical development to ensure your baby is growing as expected.
Milestone Assessments
We’ll look at key developmental milestones, such as your baby’s ability to lift their head during tummy time, respond to sounds, and follow objects with their eyes. This helps us track their progress and address any concerns early on.
Nutrition
Feeding is a big focus during the 2-week checkup. We’ll talk about how feeding is going (whether breast, bottle, or a combination of the two), and assess how well your baby is gaining weight. This is also a great time to ask questions about latch, pumping, formula types, or how often your baby should be eating.
Sleep
We’ll review your baby’s early sleep patterns, how often they’re waking to feed, and what to expect in the coming weeks. Every baby is different, but we can offer helpful tips to encourage healthy sleep habits, ease your nighttime worries, and support your own rest and recovery.
Mother’s Health
Your well-being is just as important as your baby’s. We’ll take a moment to check in on your postpartum recovery, discuss any physical or emotional challenges you may be facing, and offer resources for continued support during this time of adjustment.
We’re here to support both you and your baby during this exciting time of growth and discovery. Please contact our office any time you have a question or concern.
Ashley Dennis, M.D.
Ashley is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Milestones to Expect
- Baby becomes more vocal and babbles, coos, and laughs.
- Lays on tummy, holds head up and raises body on hands.
- Controls head and eye movement well.
- Reaches for and bats at objects.
- Recognizes parent’s voice and touch.
- Is able to self-comfort.
Safety Reminders
- Always use a rear-facing car seat that is properly secured.
- Test bath water temperature (should
be 98.6ºF). - Do not place necklaces around baby’s neck—including pacifier attachment.
- Keep toys with small parts out of reach.
- Winter babies need some layering, but be careful not to compromise their carseat’s fit by adding heavy coats or blankets between their body and the seatbelt.
Medicine Dosages
| WEIGHT | 6-11 lbs | 12-17 lbs |
|---|---|---|
|
Children’s Acetaminophen (160 mg / 5 mL) Can be given every six hours. |
1.25 mL | 2.5 mL |
| Children's Ibuprofen | Not safe at this age. | |
Vaccine Information Sheets
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.
Multi Vaccine VIS
Pneumococcal VIS
Rotavirus VIS
RSV VIS
- Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (HIB).
- Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)
- Pnuemococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Bright Futures
At your visit, we’ll provide a summary of what to expect at this stage of your child’s development, as well as in the upcoming weeks and months. This resource, known as Bright Futures, is available below for viewing or printing online.
"My baby is only two weeks old, and is already starting to take in the world around her. I catch her staring at the light or following the sound of my voice, and it amazes me how quickly she’s growing. I just want to freeze time and stay in these precious moments forever."
When to Call Your Pediatrician
- If your baby has a fever.
- If your baby is not gaining weight.
- If your baby is vomiting excessively.
- If your baby is irritable or lethargic.
- If our baby has unusual skin rashes.
- Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.
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