Comprehensive Baby Health Check ups: Guidelines for Ages 0 11 Months

Regular Baby Visits to the Doctor Ages 0 to 11 Months

Understanding the Basics

Infants require at least six comprehensive checkups with a doctor or nurse before their first birthday. A well-baby visit is an appointment you take your baby to ensure they are healthy and developing according to plan. This differs from appointments for illnesses or injuries.

These routine visits allow healthcare professionals to detect potential issues early, facilitating easier treatment when possible. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about caring for your infant during these sessions.

Here's how to prepare for each visit:

Well-Baby Visits Scheduling

Babies are scheduled for six well-baby visits by their first birthday as follows:

• First visit: 2 - 3 days after returning home from the hospital

• At month 1

• At month 2

• At month 4

• At month 6

• At month 9

If concerns arise about your baby's health, don't wt until the next scheduled appointment. Contact the doctor or nurse immediately.

Understanding Child Development

During each visit, a healthcare provider will discuss your baby's growth and development with you, as well as how to support their learning new skills like smiling or turning their head towards sounds.

Here are some developmental milestones for babies at different ages:

• 1 Month Old:

  • Hold fists tightly

  • Jerky arm movements

  • Focus on objects about 8 - 12 inches away

  • Responds to sweet smells

• 2 Months:

  • Head lift when lying stomach down

  • Tracks your face when spoken to

  • Reacts to loud noises

• 4 Months:

  • Self-awareness through hand-to-mouth actions

  • Follow sounds with head turns

  • Sounds made when conversing

• 6 Months:

  • Sitting without support

  • Rolling over from stomach to back

  • Displays interest in and reaches for objects

• 9 Months:

  • Makes baby-like sounds e.g., mamamama or bababababa

  • Smiles or laughs during games of peek-a-boo

  • Responds to name when called

  • Mntns balance while sitting

Concerns About Development?

Every child grows and learns at their own pace. However, if you're worried about your child's development, talk with the doctor or nurse. For more information on newborn and infant growth and development, visit our resources.

For additional support related to health conditions, please review these topics:

• Protect Yourself from Seasonal Flu

• Breastfeeding Your Baby

• Healthy Eating During Pregnancy: Quick Tips

• Accessibility Privacy Policy Freedom of Information Act

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us directly.
This article is reproduced from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/make-most-your-babys-visit-doctor-ages-0-11-months

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