Experts recommend 6-8 well-baby visits during the first year. If you’re thinking, what’s up, doc, you’re not alone. Read on to find out what to expect from each doctor’s appointment, what you should bring and how to get the most out of your visit.
What to Bring with You
Reference documents: driver’s license, insurance card, hospital documents from baby’s birth, information about family members’ health history and allergies
Baby necessities: burp cloths, extra diapers and wipes (the doctor will remove baby’s diaper), hand wipes, baby bottle, a blanket in case baby gets cold, a lovey or favorite stuffed animal, a pacifier if you use them
Mom necessities: an extra shirt in case of spit-up, water and a snack in case you have to wait for the doctor. Once your baby is eating solids, bring snacks for them too.
Questions: Keep a list on your phone or in a small notebook so you can jot down questions when you think of them. Bring a printed version of the questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything and can write down your doctor’s answers.
What Happens at a Well-Baby Pediatrician Appointment
Each appointment will vary depending on baby’s age, but here's what you can expect:
○ Measurement of your baby’s height, weight and head circumference to monitor your child’s growth curve; plus a discussion of that curve
○ A head-to-toe physical exam, including eyes, ears (and hearing), mouth, neck, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, genitalia and legs
○ A discussion of your child’s physical and cognitive development
○ Vaccinations, at most visits, if you’ve chosen them
○ Time for you to ask questions and bring up concerns
Read on for specifics of each visit.
Day 3-5 Well-Baby Visit
In the first week of your child’s life, pediatricians will do a physical exam; measure baby’s height, weight and head circumference; and observe baby’s behavior, reactions and reflexes.
Don’t sweat it: It’s common for babies to lose some body weight after birth. They typically gain it back by the time they hit two weeks old. As your doctor tracks your child's physical growth and tells you which percentile they're in, remember that the actual numbers and percentages are usually less important than whether your child is growing steadily along their curve.
Topics to discuss:
○ SIDS and creating a safe sleep environment
○ How often and how much your child eats
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movement look like
○ Your child’s growth curve
1-Month Well-Baby Visit
At this visit, in addition to taking measurements, doing a physical exam and checking development, your doctor may give your child a second hepatitis B shot (they typically received the first right after birth).
Don’t sweat it: It’s normal for your child (and you!) to cry when they get shots. Shots are typically done at the end of the visit so you can comfort your child with cuddles and nursing or a bottle before you leave.
Topics to discuss:
○ What to do if your child is inconsolable in the evenings (aka the witching hours)
○ If your child is dealing with diaper rashes, baby acne or cradle cap, the doctor can give you advice on how to treat these conditions
○ How often you're doing tummy time
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like. Hard, dry poop could indicate constipation, and mucousy, soft stools can signal a food intolerance.
2-Month Well-Baby Visit
Your child will likely receive immunizations at this visit, if you've chosen them. The doctor will also check your baby’s head control and posture.
Don’t sweat it: Some babies feel discomfort in the day or two after shots, so be prepared to notice a change in your child’s behavior and energy level. Offer extra cuddles and comfort, and clear your schedule if you can.
Topics to discuss:
○ If your child is dealing with colic, constipation, diaper rashes, baby acne, reflux, sleep or feeding issues, the doctor can give you advice
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
○ Whether your baby smiles yet
○ How you characterize your baby’s temperament. If your child seems weepy, restless or uncomfortable, your doctor can explore possible causes
○ How you’re feeling. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, you should bring it up to your child’s doctor and your own.
4-Month Well-Baby Visit
Your child will receive more immunizations, if you've chosen them, and may receive a hemoglobin screening to test for anemia. The doctor will also begin looking for, and discussing with you, age-appropriate milestones for your child.
Don’t sweat it: Babies develop at their own pace, so don’t assume the worst if your child hasn’t reached a certain milestone. Tell your doctor if your child is losing skills they once had or if you’re concerned about any aspect of their development (like crawling, talking, hearing, eyesight).
Topics to discuss:
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child can roll over, sit up with support, push up from their belly, grab items and kick with both legs.
○ Whether your baby communicates by babbling, squealing, laughing, copying caregivers’ facial expressions and sounds
6-Month Well-Baby Visit
More standard tests and (sorry) immunizations. Your doctor may also do a lead screening, as older homes can have lead paint, which, in high doses, can be harmful to babies. Your child may also receive a tuberculosis test and, if any teeth have popped through, your doctor will want to see them. Since babies are likely to crawl soon, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor about ways to childproof your home.
Don’t sweat it: Childproofing your home doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Here are 14 DIY babyproofing tricks to make your home safe as your baby gets more mobile.
Topics to discuss:
○ If it’s time to start your child on solid food. And, if so, which foods your doctor recommends
○ If your child has teeth, how you should care for them
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is rolling over in both directions, sitting up without support, showing interest in their environment, babbling and imitating sounds and expressions
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and how bowel movements change after introducing solid foods
9-Month Well-Baby Visit
In addition to the standard tests, a review of baby’s oral health and perhaps immunizations, your doctor will look more closely at your baby’s development. The doctor will likely ask you questions about how your child moves and interacts with you.
Don’t sweat it: If your child has any developmental delays, your pediatrician can give you valuable resources. Early intervention in the form of physical therapy or speech therapy can help your child develop new skills.
Topics to discuss:
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as crawling, saying words, responding to their name, pointing, using the pincer grip, feeding themselves, playing games with you or others
○ If your child is experiencing separation anxiety or fear of strangers
○ How you should care for your child’s teeth
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
12-Month Well-Baby Visit
You’re a pro at this point and know what to expect at these doctor visits. But as you've learned with babies, they're always learning new things and changing their routines, so you'll have lots to discuss at this and future appointments.
Don’t sweat it: You’ve almost made it through year one, with all the big changes and sleeplessness that goes along with it. You can handle whatever year two throws at you.
Topics to discuss:
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture, walking, pointing, saying words, responding to what you say, playing games with you or others
○ How you should care for your child’s teeth
○ Whether you should introduce cow's milk into baby's diet
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
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