Newborn Doctor Visits Guide

Newborn Doctor Visits Guide: Babies need to visit the doctor for checkups several times in their first year and even afterwards even if they seem fine. The first three years are really important for a baby growth and development so the doctor will want to keep an eye on them closely. Here a simple guide to when these appointments usually happen and what happens at each one. Different doctors might have slightly different schedules but this is a general idea of what to expect.

What occurs during each well-baby checkup?

During each well baby visit which typically happens at birth 3-5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months old the doctor ensures your baby is growing and developing properly. At these appointments the doctor examines your baby health assesses their growth and checks important milestones such as sitting, crawling and talking. Additionally vaccination may be protect your baby from illnesses. These regular checkups are essential for monitoring your babys health and providing guidance to support their overall well being as they grow.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Physical exam:
During each visit the doctor will give the baby a full checkup from head to toe. This means they will examine the babys ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, tummy, hips, legs and private areas to make sure everything look healthy. They will also check the soft spots on the baby’s head which usually close up by 12 to 18 months as the skull bones join together. The doctor will also look at the shape of the baby’s head to make sure it is growing properly.

Measurements:
At each visit, the doctor will measure how long your baby (means height) how much they weigh and the size of their head. These measurements will be written down on a growth chart. This helps you see how your baby is growing compared to other babies their age and can help spot any potential issues.

Reflexes and behaviour:
During the first few weeks after birth, doctors check for reflexes like rooting and sucking, and make sure the baby is alert and has stable hips. As the baby gets older the doctor will watch for other things like how they sleep, eat, play and behave.

Milestones and development: 
During most visits the doctor will check if your baby is growing and developing normally. They will ask you about the milestones your baby should be reaching at their age and if you have any worries or questions.

Benefits of baby doctor visit

According to Elizabeth Child doctor, MD, MPH, a pediatrics at Northern Virginia Family Practice, the doctor’s office is not just for getting shots. These visits are really important for making sure your child is growing up healthy and developing properly. They also give parents a chance to talk face-to-face with the doctor, ask questions, share worries and take steps to prevent big problems before they happen.

Learn about Baby feeding Schedule

Baby Check Up Schedule

If you’re looking for more details about what happens at each of your baby checkup expert have explained everything you need to know about well-baby visits below.

At Birth:

Within the first day of birth, the baby will be examined by a healthcare provider, says Chandra-Puri. The provider will do a thorough checkup to ensure everything is working as it should in the baby’s body. Additionally, there will be a hearing test in the newborn nursery to check for any hearing problems, according to Madden. The baby will also get their first hepatitis B vaccine and a shot of vitamin K.

First newborn checkup

Your baby doctor will probably want to see your baby within the first week to ensure everything is going smoothly. The doctor will check the baby’s weight to ensure they’re eating enough and talk about safe ways to feed and put the baby to sleep. They might also do a simple blood test to check for jaundice. Additionally, they’ll follow up on any hearing tests that were done previously, according to Madden.

Two-week checkup

According to Child doctor suggests a checkup at two weeks for most newborns to make sure they are eating and growing well. But not every baby may need it. Your doctor will schedule it but you might not have to go if both you and the baby are fine. However if the baby is losing weight or having trouble with Yellow fever or another problem, the doctor will probably want you to come in.

One-month checkup

During your baby’s one-month checkup, the doctor will ask about how you’re doing since the baby arrived and about all parts of their growth like eating, sleeping, playing, and staying safe. Depending on when your doctor’s office gives vaccines, your baby might also get the second hepatitis B shot, according to Child doctor. Additionally, the doctor will check on how you are coping and getting used to life with your baby.`

Two-month checkup

At the second month checkup things will be similar to the one-month visit, but your baby will get several shots this time. These include the second hepatitis B vaccine if they have not had it yet as well as the first doses of the diarrhea vaccine, Diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP), Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib), Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The good news is that many offices give combined vaccines, so your baby will not need as many shots sometimes just up to three.

Four-month checkup

At the four-month checkup, your baby will get second doses of their RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV, and IPV vaccines. The AAP mentions that babies born early or with low birth weight might also have a blood test to check for anemia. Additionally, the doctor will discuss any milestones your baby has reached or is close to reaching, as well as talk about their diet and answer any questions you have about starting solid foods.

Six-month checkup

During your baby’s six-month checkup, in addition to a regular checkup, they will probably receive third doses of the RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV, and IPV vaccines. If the appointment happens during flu season, they might also get the flu and COVID vaccines, which are recommended for babies aged 6 months and older, according to Loretta Cody, MD, a pediatrician in Connecticut. Additionally, the doctor will check your baby’s dental health and see if any new teeth are coming in.

Nine-month checkup

During this checkup, things will be similar to before, with a regular exam and giving any needed vaccines. Your pediatrician will ask lots of questions about how your baby is growing and developing, like if they’re hitting motor milestones, how they’re doing with solid foods, and if they’re feeling upset when you leave them.

They might also play with your baby to see if there are any signs of developmental delays, especially if your baby was born early or if autism runs in your family, according to the AAP. “We usually do the autism screening between one and two years old,” says Chandra-Puri. “We look at how the baby reacts to things, and I talk to their parents to learn more about the child.” If your child does seem to have signs of autism, your doctor will suggest services or programs that can help them develop better.

12-month checkup

As part of your toddler’s first birthday celebration, they will have another visit to the doctor. During this visit, they will receive vaccines for MMR, hepatitis A, and chickenpox, as well as any boosters they need. Depending on the time of year, they may also get a flu and COVID shot, according to Scott. Additionally, they will have a blood test to check for anemia and lead levels. The doctor will also check on milestones like crawling, walking, talking, and other ways your toddler communicates, such as pointing and making sounds.

15-month checkup

During your toddler’s 15-month checkup, the doctor will measure them, give them a physical exam, and check how they’re growing and developing. They will also get any vaccines they still need, like hepatitis B, Hib, PCV, IPV, DTaP, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis A vaccines. Depending on certain factors, like if they’re at risk, the doctor may also test them for anemia, lead poisoning, and hearing and vision problems if they haven’t been tested before, according to the AAP.

18-month checkup

At the 18-month checkup, things will be much like the ones before. The doctor will do a physical exam, check for any risks, give any vaccines your child still needs, and ask about how your child is growing and developing overall. The doctor will want to know if your child is walking, running, or climbing, and how many words they can say. They’ll also ask if your child tries to copy you during play, according to Lauren Crosby, MD, a pediatrician in Beverly Hills, California.

24-month checkup

Can you believe how quickly your little one is growing? At their two-year checkup, they’ll go through the usual procedures: getting measured, having their development checked, and having any necessary tests, like another blood test for anemia and lead. By this age, most kids have had all their shots, according to the AAP. The doctor will also talk about things like car seat safety and how much screen time your toddler should have.

30-month checkup

By the time of this checkup, your child should have received all their shots, according to the AAP. The doctor will want to see how they’re growing, if they’re hitting milestones like jumping and talking, if they’re playing make-believe, and if they’re ready for potty training.

“At this age, parents often worry about things like potty training and tantrums, even though there aren’t usually shots at this visit. Toddlers change a lot during this time, so this checkup gives us a chance to see how they’re doing halfway through the year,” says Cilenti.

36 months checkup

Your 3-year-old is really starting to show their unique personality. At the three-year checkup, the doctor will do a thorough exam, including checking their vision, oral health, and for lead. They’ll also talk to you about any worries you have. During this visit, they’ll also talk about some of the challenges you might be facing, like your child being more defiant or questions about how to discipline them.