When you become a parent, it seems like there are a million new things that need to be done. The baby needs to eat, be changed, get enough sleep, have some tummy time, get adequate amounts of vitamin D ... the list goes on and on.
One thing parents can do that can help them through this period is to make sure they are on schedule for their child’s health checkups. Yes, it is really important to have regular health checkups for your baby!
Newborn checkups are imperative for the baby’s health. They help ensure that your child is growing and developing appropriately, mentally and physically. These checkups can also catch any issues early on which can mean a better opportunity for early intervention and treatment of the problem.
But the most important thing a new baby’s health checkup can give the parents is piece of mind.
During a health checkup for a baby (and subsequently during all well child visits) parents have the chance to ask their doctor for advice on anything and everything having to do with the baby.
In the first few months, it helps to have questions written down ahead of time, because lack of sleep and a crying baby can easily distract you from remembering those burning questions you wanted to ask.
Typically during the first year, your baby will have seven well child health checkups.
- 3-5 days old
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
- 12 months old
Individual doctors might do things a bit differently so be sure to ask the pediatrician you’re working with about their well child visit schedule.
When there are problems, children may have to be brought in to the doctor’s office outside of these well child health checkups too, so parents tend to see a lot of their family’s pediatrician the first year after having a baby.
During the health checkup, doctors will record the height, weight, and head circumference of the child. These measurements are plotted on a graph and let parents see how their child compares to other children at the same age.
Depending on the schedule of the pediatrician, your child may get vaccinations during these visits to ensure they stay healthy.
During the health checkups the medical professional will examine your child in the following ways:
1) Physical examination
The child will be check out from head to toe, helping the health care practitioner to make sure your baby is meeting the developmental standards for her age.
2) General examination
The doctor will assess the child to see if he is meeting the emotional and motor skill goals for his age. Early visits might focus on head control. Closer to a year, the focus might be on walking and talking.
3) Nutritional examination
The doctor may give advice on breastfeeding, recommended formulas, or vitamins.
4) General discussion
During this time of the well child health checkup, parents can ask any question. It is the time to ask about what to expect in the coming months and how to prepare for it. It is also the time to discuss any feelings of depression or stress the parents may be having.
Health checkups for babies are extremely important and should not be overlooked. They are invaluable resources, especially later on, to make sure all children are developing as they should.
Sources:
Marchofdimes.com. Web. 17 November 2014. “Your baby’s development.”
http://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/routine-medical-care-for-children-from-1-month-to-2-years-old.aspx#
Mayoclinic.org. Web. 17 November 2014. “Infant and toddler health.”
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20044767
Reviewed December 18, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith