Checkup Checklist For The First 6 Months Of Your Baby

An infant needs a lot of check-ups when after birth, while it may seem tedious, they are necessary to see how well your child is adjusting here so make sure you do not miss the appointments set up by your healthcare provider.

In Hospital (within 24 hours of birth)

General health check: Your doctor will check your baby from head to toe, general health and reflexes. This is not just for the child but for the assurance of the parents and to give them basic advice on how to feed the baby and any other issues that may arise. While your general checkup is going on, the doctors will check whether your kid is hearing or not. They also check the oxygen level of your child. If there are any issues like one part of the body not receiving enough air, then they must prep for the next steps.

Jaundice and metabolic screening: Newborns undergo tests for jaundice, a condition where the skin appears yellow due to excess bilirubin in the blood. If detected, treatment is readily available. Additionally, a complete metabolic screening helps identify rare but treatable genetic disorders.

Before you leave the hospital, your baby will receive some preventive treatments. Antibiotic eye ointment helps protect against infections that could be contracted during birth. A shot of vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting, is given as newborns have low levels at birth. Finally, the hepatitis B vaccine provides vital protection against this serious liver disease, which can be unknowingly passed from mother to baby during birth.

3-5 Days Checkup

Within a few days of bringing your baby home, you'll have their first checkup with their paediatrician (the doctor who cares for children). This visit is important to make sure your little one is growing well.

The doctor will measure your baby, check it from head to toe, and ask about feeding, sleep, and diaper habits. They'll also be happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your newborn.

Some babies might need to see the doctor more often, like if they have feeding issues or jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). But most babies will have their first checkup around 3-5 days after birth.

This visit is a great opportunity to get advice on breastfeeding, formula feeding, safe bathing, and how to help your baby sleep soundly. The doctor will also check in with you to see how you're feeling as a new parent.

1-Month Checkup

Your baby's one-month checkup is around their first month, not the exact day they turn one month old. Relax, there's no need to stress about the date!

The doctor will follow a similar routine as the first checkup: measuring your baby, checking them from head to toe, and asking about sleep, feeding, and how you're both doing. This visit is crucial to ensure your baby's growth and development are on track.

The doctor will also chat about how to help your baby's brain grow by talking, singing, reading, and playing with them. These activities are super important! They'll also be happy to answer any questions you have.

While vaccinations are a regular part of baby care, they typically don't happen at the one-month visit. However, this is the perfect time to discuss the recommended vaccination schedule. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have about vaccines.

2-Month Checkup:

Around your baby's first month (no exact date needed!), they'll have a checkup. It's like the first one, with measurements and a head-to-toe check. The doctor will ask about sleep, feeding, and how you're both doing. This helps them make sure your baby's growing well.

They'll also talk about ways to boost your baby's brain development through talking, singing, reading, and playtime! These are key for your little one's growth. Shots usually don't happen at this visit, but the doctor can answer any questions you have about the vaccination schedule, which typically starts at two months. Don't be shy – ask away!

4-Month Checkup:

Your baby's four-month checkup is a big milestone! They've grown so much since their last visit and are starting to notice the world around them. This is also when they'll get important vaccines to help them stay healthy. (PCV, RV, Hib, Polio, DTaP)

6-Month Checkup

The six-month checkup is all about your growing baby! The doctor will do the usual checks and chat about feeding. This is when you might start offering solid foods, and the doctor can give you tips. Teething might also start around this time, so ask about soothing sore gums.

Your baby might get some shots at this visit, like the third dose of some vaccines they had before. Depending on the season, the doctor might recommend the flu shot, which is important for keeping your little one healthy. It's usually two doses for their first time.