What should I ask at my newborn's first checkup?
Ask who to contact between visits, which changes matter and what details your care team wants you to keep track of.
The short answer
Ask your baby's doctor what follow up is planned, how to reach the team between visits, and which feeding, nappy or health changes they want you to report. Your own questions are a good starting point.
Make a short list of what you have noticed
A first checkup is a chance to ask about what you have noticed, not a test of how much you know. You might ask about feeding, weight follow up, nappies, skin or cord care, safe sleep, upcoming appointments and which local screening steps apply. The right questions depend on your baby and where you live.
The NHS early days guide describes checks and support in the United Kingdom. Ask your local health team which appointments and services apply to your family.
Confirm follow up and how to get help
Before you leave, confirm the next appointment and which service to contact during office hours, overnight or at weekends. Ask what to do if you’re worried about your baby and where to get feeding support. Use the contact details given by your own care team rather than assuming another region uses the same pathway.
If your midwife or doctor asks you to keep a log, ask which details are useful, how long to record them and when to share them. A general app can’t replace those instructions or tell you whether your baby needs a medical check.
Help the next caregiver remember the plan
Bring a short note on paper or your phone. If another caregiver will help later, agree on how to pass along the plan and contact details. One person can ask questions while another takes notes, if that makes the visit easier.
BabyDays can help invited caregivers share a timeline when sharing is enabled. For a short handoff, see the newborn caregiver handoff checklist.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.