The Most Important Questions to Ask at Your Baby's Check-Up
By BabyFit.com
New cars come with maintenance guides and manuals so you know exactly when to change the oil and how to inflate the tires. Babies, many new parents complain, don't come with instructions! It can be overwhelming to remember all the concerns and questions you want to address in just one short pediatrician visit, especially for new parents. If you have a plan, your appointment will be much more helpful for you and your baby. Here is a simple guide to new baby maintenance, including what to expect and any questions you may want to ask your pediatrician at each checkup.
History
Bring information and questions about:
How the baby has been doing up to this point
How much and how often the baby has been eating
Any breastfeeding issues or difficulties
How much and where the baby has been sleeping
Frequency and nature of wet and soiled diapers
Anything that seems out of the ordinary
Has your baby been exhibiting any of the following (check all that apply)?
Rashes
Unusual irritability/crying
Change in coloring
Diarrhea
Runny nose
Change in behavior
During the Checkup
Ask the following:
Is your baby progressing well in relation to basic measurements (height, weight, head circumference)?
What developmental milestones should you be looking for before the next checkup (crying, smiling, cooing, rolling over, reaching, sitting, crawling, pulling up, walking, etc.)?
Are there any additional screening tests you should do at this time?
Which immunizations will be part of this visit? (See the chart below for a suggested immunization schedule that most babies are able to follow.)
Are there any safety issues you should pay particular attention to right now?
How are the baby's heart, lungs, ears, and eyes?
What should you expect or prepare for during the next checkup?
What signs and symptoms warrant a call to the pediatrician's office?
2 WEEK | 2 MONTH | 4 MONTH | 6 MONTH | 9 MONTH | 1 YEAR!!!! |
Hepatitis B, if it wasn't given at the hospital | DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | HepB (hepatitis B), if it wasn't completed by the six-month visit | MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Varicella (chicken pox) |
Related links:
Helping the Breastfeeding Mother
Advice from Four New Dads
Organizing Your Life Through Your Pregnancy
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