Well-Baby Visits in First Year – Importance and What Can You Expect

A doctor, mostly a family physician or your baby’s pediatrician will be someone with whom you may want to schedule your well-baby visits. The doctor will keep track of your baby’s growth, development and illnesses. This doctor helps you ensure your baby is growing as per expectations.

Why Are Well-Baby Visits Important?

Every baby is different. Though you can compare your baby’s growth and development with another baby’s, how do you know which is right? A well-baby visit will ensure your baby is within the expected ranges. If there is anything amiss, it is important to identify and address it at the earliest. Some illnesses, if left undetected for too long, can complicate the situation and compromise the baby’s wellness.

A well-baby visit will help ensure all babies are tracked and their health is up to the mark. In case of any deviation, the doctor will investigate further to identify the issue and treat it accordingly.

What Occurs During a Well-Baby Check-up?

During such check-ups the doctor can do the following

• Vaccinate the baby and give other important injections and medications.
• Do a physical exam to ensure your baby is okay.
• Ask about your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns.
• Try to find out how your baby is developing and growing.
• Educate you on various illnesses and how to effectively prevent them from affecting your baby.
• Teach parents about how to handle emergencies.
• Make small talk with the baby to gauge how they are developing.
• Answer all your queries.

[Read : Guide To Compulsory & Optional Vaccines For Babies]

Well-Baby Visit Schedules

Knowing a well-baby visit schedule can help you be prepared. In most cases, the well-baby visits will collide with the vaccination schedule. Here is what a typical schedule can look like

• Follow-up visit for a week old baby, after getting discharged from the hospital.
• Monthly check-ups until the baby is 2 months old.
• Bi or tri-monthly check-ups until the baby is 24 months old.
• Regular visits as per vaccination schedule.
• Visits as per doctor’s advice once the baby is a toddler.
• Doctor visits when the baby is sick (please avoid self-medicating your baby).

[Read : Baby check-up schedule]

Your Expectations At Well-Baby Visits

Here are a few things that you can expect your doctor to do at a well-baby visit

Doctors will do a complete physical exam for your baby. They may also

• Check the heartbeat and respiration of the baby.
• Press the belly, neck and arms gently to identify if there is anything unusual.
• Check for the baby’s physical development, like age-appropriate growth and weight.
• Examine their ears, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Take a keen look if there are any unidentified rashes on their skin.
• Check if they are responding well to the incidents around them.
• They may ask you questions to understand your baby’s development.
• They will answer all your doubts and concerns regarding the baby’s health.
• Doctors may consider giving vaccinations if needed as per schedule.

You can expect your baby to resist or get restless during the waiting period. They might even have a meltdown or take a small nap. You just need to be prepared.

Top Tips to Prepare You For Well-Baby Visits

While some babies might cooperate perfectly, some babies might have a tough time waiting for their turn. Hearing other babies cry after their vaccination can make your baby anxious and resistant. Here are a few tips to help you prepare well for the well-baby visits:

• Go a few minutes ahead of your appointment, in case the previous patient finishes early or does not turn up, you can get lucky.
• Take all the medical records and papers required for your baby’s check-up.
• Carry a small book or something to entertain your baby while waiting.
• Carry some dry snacks if your baby is above 6 months of age.
• If your baby is still on a milk-only diet, feed them just before reaching the doctor’s and be prepared to feed them at the clinic, if needed. You can carry a bottle of milk or a feeding apron.

A well-baby visit is an important part of your baby’s developing years. It helps keep track of their growth and identify issues at the earliest. It is important to follow the schedule and not miss these visits.

FAQ’s

1. What if I Miss a Well-Baby Visit?

If you miss a visit, reschedule it with your doctor. If you missed a vaccination, check when you can get it done next. Sometimes doctors might combine it with the next vaccination.

2. Should Only One Doctor Do the Well-Baby Visits?

Generally, parents prefer to stick to one doctor as it is easier to keep track of the baby’s development. You can have more than one doctor based on your requirement and the doctor’s specialization.

3. Are Vaccinations Covered in Well-Baby Visits?

Yes, all vaccinations will be covered in these visits if your doctor is a pediatrician or a general physician. If you are consulting a doctor specializing in other fields, you will have to go to a pediatrician for the shots.

Read Also: The Baby’s First-Month Check-Up Checklist