The Baby’s First-Month Check-Up Checklist

• It’s more beneficial to find out and write down all the concerns and doubts you have to ask the pediatrician before the day the checkup is scheduled. Take this slip along with you.
• Take a copy of the hospital records of the baby with you, especially if your baby’s doctor is not practicing at the same hospital where you delivered.
• Bring with you whatever you require to hold your child warm and well-fed. You have to feed him frequently during this period. Therefore, choose a bra and dress which allow you to feed more easily in a public place.

What Routine Should I Expect At My Baby’s First-Month Check-up?

At the first month’s checkup, the pediatrician will go for a complete physical analysis, make the immunization schedule, and hand you a growth chart in which the first month’s entry (usually in percentile form) is done.

The physical exam includes:

Take Weight And Measurements

The doctor may ask to undress the baby before weighing it. And so he will weigh your child, take the measurement of the baby’s length, and also will assess the head circumference. Then he will enter the result on the growth chart which you have to maintain from this point. The results are usually entered in the form of percentile, which allows you to see how your baby is compared to other babies of the same age.

Analysis Of The Abdomen

The doctor examines the belly to make sure the umbilical stump has fallen off and the belly button is getting better. He will also press the belly gently to check for enlarged organs or hernia.

Eye Examination

The doctor will examine the eye for the indication of congenital eye issues, blocked tear ducts, or unusual discharge from the eyes. He will check the ability of the child to move his eyes rightly. Click here to read about how to take care of the baby’s eyes.

Examination Of Skin

The skin is examined for the indication of jaundice or nappy rash. If there is any birthmark, the doctor will examine it carefully. This is because though most of the birthmarks are harmless, there are certain birthmarks, which need medical attention depending on the type and where it is located. More on birthmarks here.

Reflex Analysis

The baby’s reflex toward pain, sound, and light are also analyzed during the first-month checkup.

Body Analysis

The muscle tone is examined. The doctor will also move the baby’s legs and hands to make sure there are no issues with the joints.

Ear Examination

During an ear exam, the doctor will observe the baby’s response to the sound. He will also look if there is any sign of an ear infection.

Mouth Examination

The mouth examination is performed to determine if there are any white patches inside the oral cavity. Sometimes, thrush – an oral yeast infection, is found among one-month-old.

Head

The doctor will check the shape of the head and the fontanels (the soft spot towards the front of the skull) to make sure it is developing normally. He will also look if there are any cradle cap issues.

Heart And Lungs Analysis

Using a stethoscope the doctor will examine the heartbeat and the function of the lungs.

Will My Baby Be Given Any Shots Or Oral Drops During The First-Month Check-up?

The baby will presumably get a hepatitis B shot. Most babies receive their first hepatitis B shot at birth. The second one is mostly done during the second-month checkup. But if for some reason the first shot was not taken at birth or if the pediatrician feels it’s better to take the second shot during the first month’s checkup, then the hepatitis shot is administered during the first-month checkup.

Even if the vaccine is administered, it’s normally given towards the end of the appointment so that you will get adequate time to comfort your child. If you are breastfeeding your baby, the doctor may prescribe vitamin D drops.

What Questions Will The Doctor Ask Me During First-Month Check-Up

Just like you have some questions for the doctor, the pediatrician may also ask some questions regarding the child during the first month of check-up. You have to be prepared to answer those questions. Here are some frequently asked questions by the pediatrician during the first month’s check-up.

Information About Feeding

• How often are you feeding your baby?
• Are you presently taking any medication?
• Do you make the baby burp after each feeding?
• Does your baby reflux after each feeding?
• Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding?

Information About Sleeping

• In what position does the baby usually sleep?
• What is the sleeping pattern of the baby?
• Does the baby cry a lot before starting to sleep?

Information About Bowel Movement

• How often the baby poops?
• What is the color of the poop?
• Whether the poop is too dry or too loose?
• Does the baby cry a great deal when he poops?

Information About Tummy Time

• Are you giving tummy time to your baby?
• When and how are you giving your baby tummy time?
• Does the baby try to hold the head up even for a very short time when he is on his tummy?

Information About Urination

• How frequently does the baby pee?
• How many wet diapers does the baby have a day?
• Does the baby often cry during urinating?

Well, now you are prepared to take your baby for his first month’s checkup. Never hesitate to speak up about your worries and doubts when the physician shares his findings and grants you further instructions.