Comprehensive Guide: Essential Baby Doctor Visits in the First Years

Medically Reviewed by Chandani DeZure, M.D., FAAP, Pediatric Hospitalist

Karen Miles June 30, 2023

The first few years of your baby's life are marked with frequent doctor visits. Each appointment serves a vital role in monitoring their growth and development, tracking vaccination schedules, and addressing any questions or concerns you might have.

Infant Doctor Visits Overview

In the early days following birth, pediatricians conduct comprehensive checkups designed to evaluate various aspects of your baby's health:

Newborn Examination

• Physical Inspection: The doctor performs a thorough examination including eye and ear checks, heart rate and lung function assessments, head and body inspection, belly and genital area review, hip joint assessment, and leg evaluation.

• Weight, Height Head Circumference Measurement: These metrics are meticulously recorded on your baby's growth chart to monitor development trs.

Regular Checkups

1-Month Check-Up

• Eating Habits Discussion: Insights into milk intake patterns, sleep routines, and diaper wetness counts are shared.

• Developmental Skills Inquiry: The doctor asks about eye tracking capabilities and responses to auditory stimuli.

2-Month Visit

• Continues the discussion on feeding behaviors and sleeping schedules.

• Focuses more on responsive behavior tests and further developmental skills assessment.

4-Month Check-Up

• Physical Examination Deepens: Further observation of growth, coordination, and interaction with sounds and visual stimuli.

6-Month Visit

• Vaccination Administered: If not already administered, vaccinations for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella MMR, chickenpox Varicella, hepatitis A, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV, and Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib might be given.

9-Month Check-Up

• Physical Growth Evaluation: Checking for any unusual changes in physical development.

Annual Visits

12-Month Check-Up

• Final Baby Shots of the Year: Timing deps on previous vaccinations. Includes COVID, if appropriate based on initial vaccination timing, and Flu vaccines during flu seasons.

15-Month Visit

• Vaccination Update: Typically covers measles, mumps, rubella MMR and chickenpox Varicella.

18-Month Check-Up

• Notably, there's no extensive doctor visit at this age.

24-Month Check-Up

• Pre-School Health Screening: Includes vaccinations for MMR if not administered earlier, varicella, hepatitis A, and a fourth dose of PCV.

Preparing for Your Baby's Doctor Appointments

Timing Considerations: Choose the best day when your baby is most likely to be in good spirits. If possible, try avoiding mornings after nap times or meals that could impact appetite during the visit.

Comfortable Outfit: Dress both you and your baby in comfortable clothing suitable for the time of year, with easy access for a weight measurement if needed.

Pack Wisely: Bring along any recent developmental milestones notes, vaccination records, and a list of questions or concerns to discuss during the appointment. This ensures nothing is overlooked and addresses all your queries efficiently.

By being well-prepared and informed about your baby's health needs at each stage, you can ensure that their development remns on track throughout these critical early years.

Note: Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on individual circumstances and current guidelines.
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