You know your baby is perfect in every way, but he still needs to go for his regular checkups to make sure all is well. Your pediatrician probably already has you on a schedule for baby’s first two years.
Although the exact timetable for your baby’s checkups may vary, it’s common for doctors to recommend well baby visits at three to five days after birth followed by a checkup every month until your baby reaches six months. After the six month mark, if all is well, your little one will usually go for a checkup at nine, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months.
Even if you love your pediatrician, you may wonder why you have to take your baby for checkups so often. The first two years of a baby’s life are a time of rapid growth and development. Think about it. Your baby changes from a tiny newborn, who cannot even roll over, to an active toddler you have to chase, in two short years.
Well baby visits give your pediatrician the chance to make sure your baby is progressing as expected. Although you can call your pediatrician anytime, well baby visits are also a great time to discuss any concerns you have, such as feeding, sleep problems or weaning your baby.
Appointments may be a little different each time, but you can expect several similarities. Your pediatrician or medical assistant will weigh your baby and measure her length and her head circumference. Everything is recorded on a growth chart, and your doctor will let you know how your little one compares to other babies the same age. The measurements help your doctor identify growth and development problems.
Your pediatrician will also perform a physician exam, which involves listening to her lungs and heart and examining her tummy. The doctor will also look in her ears, nose and mouth and check her soft spots on her head, which often fuse by about one year.
Don’t worry if your baby cries or moves around a lot during the exam. Your baby’s doctor cares for kids all day, so he has seen it all. Your pediatrician also will ask you questions about development, such as if your baby is rolling over, sitting up or eating solid foods.
If you are having your baby vaccinated, you can also expect a shot or two at some of your well baby appointments. Recommended immunization schedules vary and your baby may get one or more immunizations at a checkup. But there may be some months that no shots are scheduled.
There may be other tests your doctor recommends at different appointments, such as a TB test or lead screening. Keep in mind, if you are unsure what a test, vaccine or procedure is for, ask for more information. After all, it’s your baby’s wellbeing, and nothing is more important than that!
Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
