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Organizing Your Baby’s Health Records
Author: Stef Daniel
Birth brings with it a lot of paperwork. Most moms leave the hospital with a folder full of birth information that includes immunization records, birth medical history and information, temporary social security numbers, and a copy of a petition for a birth certificate. There will also be finger and footprints (which can be handy in an emergency), as well as a fairly complete and detailed health analysis that covers both the mother and baby’s health. Becoming a parent is complicated enough – just how much of this information do you really need?
Experts say ALL of it. And then some. One factor that often hinders healthcare into adulthood is that few of us are able to put our hands on our own medical documents. For instance, you may have had a test done 15 years ago – which turned out fine and have no idea how to gain a copy of it now where it could be compared to a similar test. Keeping information like this handy is essential to getting the best care from your healthcare team. The same is true for infants.
Organizing your baby’s health records should begin while you are pregnant. Start a folder file in a convenient location in your home that will be just for baby. This way when you come home from the hospital you will have an immediate place to put them in, reducing the risk that they will get lost through the shuffle. You should also file your social security and birth certificate papers right away while the birth is still fresh. Many parents fail to remember that they didn’t get an ‘actual’ birth certificate when their baby was born until they go to register them for school some years later.
Make photocopies of all paperwork and even consider scanning it into your computer for a back-up. Additionally, take the extra step to make sure that you keep these important medical records in a safe and tangible space:
- Medical Consent forms. These allow other caregivers the right to seek out medical treatment for your baby in the case of an emergency.
- Medical History Ongoing. Each time you visit a doctor, ask for a copy of the information and records of that day’s visit. This way you will get to read it and know exactly what is going on. Far too many parents have no real idea what is put in their child’s medical chart, and it is YOUR right to have this information.
- Immunization Records. Your child will likely receive immunizations in the hospital. In the United States, these records are supposed to be uploaded to a countrywide database, but you should still request a paper copy. Remember that human error is possible in entering data, and you should keep an updated and current immunization record with you at every visit to avoid duplications. Plus, it makes registering for school or daycare easier.
- Newborn Records. Visit www.savebabies.org so that you can see what newborn testing is required in your state and make sure that you get a paper copy of each newborn test conducted and the results. This may not be available before you leave the hospital, but make sure to sign a records release so that you can have them mailed to you as soon as possible.
- Family History. Few of us know our family history. Instead of preparing the nursery, do your child a favor by comprising an accurate account of your family medical history. This can be lifesaving information should your child become ill or need assistance.
- Cord Blood Banking. If you banked cord blood, keep these records together with your baby’s medical records.
- Blood Type. Prepare an emergency medical card that has your baby’s blood type on it. A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin found that 7 out of 10 parents don’t know what their baby’s blood type is. This is information you should know about every member of your family.
- Medication Records. Keep track of any and every medication that your child has to take and keep a running list. This way you can identify medication allergies as they arise. If you don’t know what is in the shot – ASK!
Being vigilant about health records; reviewing them yourself to spot any errors and knowing what is happening in your baby’s life are important. Make some space in your filing system or create a new one that will give you an easy place to store these records. If parents took as much time organizing health records as they do creating a scrapbook of their child, they would be able to create a comprehensive and proactive resource for any health problems that arise. It is much easier to do this now than it is to wait until your child is facing an emergency.
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