Well baby checks are essential care visits which allow your baby’s Provider to review your baby’s health, growth and to check for serious problems. These visits are also designed to allow you to address any concerns you may have about your baby’s health or development.
Recommended Schedule of Visits
- Visit 1 – 3-5 days old
- Visit 2 – 1 month old
- Visit 3 – 2 months old
- Visit 4 – 4 months old
- Visit 5 – 6 months old
- Visit 6 – 9 months old
- Visit 7 – 12 months old
- Visit 8 – 15 months old
- Visit 9 – 18 months old
- Visit 10 – 24 months old (2yrs)
- Visit 11 – 30 months old (2 ½ yrs)
What to Expect During Your Visit
Measurements - Your Provider will take your baby’s measurements, such as weight, length and head circumference. These measurements will be used to make sure your baby is growing normally.
Head-to-Toe Physical Exam – The Provider will do a physical exam of your baby’s head, ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, hips and legs, and genitalia to determine if that your baby is healthy and growing normally.
Development – motor skills and development are also important. Age-appropriate observations and questions for the parent will be addressed. Examples of these would be: Is your baby turning towards sights or sounds? Is your baby attempting to roll over? Is your baby reaching for objects?
Vaccines – Your baby will need various vaccines at different ages to protect them from diseases such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, chickenpox and others. Your Provider will discuss each of these vaccines in detail with you before they are administered and only with your consent.
Questions – This visit will provide you with the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about your baby. The Provider will also ask you questions about how things are going. Your Provider is there to help you and your baby be healthy, safe and happy. We have many resources to assist you with your baby but also with your own health. Being a new Mom is hard work and takes adjustment, even if this isn’t your first child. Remember, we are here to help you, too!