Ask any new parent the list of most important contacts for their child and I am sure most pediatricians are on that list. From routine checkups to the occasional coughs and colds, managing your child’s health is much easier with a great pediatrician by your side.
For parents of newborns and young children, routine checkups are crucial in tracking your child’s development as they grow up. From basic measurements such as weight and height to managing immunizations and developmental milestones, your pediatrician should take a huge weight off your shoulders. While it may seem a bit overwhelming, the frequent trips to the pediatrician are designed to establish a healthy dialogue around your child’s health.
While we encourage you to stay in contact with your pediatrician regarding any milestones, concerns or questions that you may have, the first year of life are typically routine when it comes to your child’s checkup schedule. Each pediatricians office may vary but overall, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a schedule such as the one below.
Here is a breakdown of your child’s checkups and what to expect at each visit.
First Week Checkup! 3-5 Days Old
Congratulations! Your bundle of joy has arrived and you are headed home from the hospital. Until this point, the hospital physicians and pediatricians have likely kept a close eye on your baby over their first few days of life. The next step is to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician for the first week checkup! Here is what you can expect.
Don’t Forget To Pack
Hospital paperwork! This includes any and all information about your baby’s birth, discharge paperwork and/or any complications during your pregnancy or delivery.
Immunizations
If your baby has not already received the Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine, it is likely that the pediatrician will recommend it during this visit. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth, some parents may feel more comfortable with their pediatrician.
Growth and Development
This is where the pediatrician and their support staff will measure your child’s growth. Are they eating enough? Are they continuing to show normal signs of development? Are they alert? The list goes on and on! Early eyes on development can be crucial in addressing any concerns head on.
One Month Checkup!
It is hard to believe that a month has come and gone. No need to start planning for college just yet! Let’s focus on keeping a close eye on your child’s development as they grow. It is likely that you have some questions by now, please be sure to prepare ahead of time and come with a list of questions for your doctor and nurses.
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive their second dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine at either this one month or the two-month checkup.
Growth and Development
It should be no surprise that your pediatrician will be working on those measurements! Your doctor will continue to measure, weigh and examine your baby to keep a close eye on development milestones and behavior.
Two Month Checkup!
Now you might want to start saving for college…
2 months old and it is time for another visit to your pediatrician’s office for your routine checkup and likely some shots (it’s okay to cry)!
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive their second dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine if they have not yet already.
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine (Hib)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
And Yes! It is safe to give this many vaccines at once. Your pediatrician may even be able to combine some shots to reduce the tears! If you are still concerned about administering multiple vaccinations at one time, check out this amazing article from The American Academy of Pediatrics.
Four Month Checkup!
Hard to believe 4 months have passed since you welcomed your child into this world. With so much development happening, it seems like the perfect time to check in with your pediatrician.
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive their second dose of the following vaccines.
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine (Hib)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Other Screenings
Hematocrit or hemoglobin. While each pediatrician’s office does things a bit differently, it is likely that your child will have a blood screening this month. A small sample of blood is taken to detect anemia.
Six Month Checkup
Half a year! Another checkup for routine vaccines and a thorough exam of your child’s physical and behavioral development.
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive their third dose of the following vaccines.
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine (Hib)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Nine Month Checkup
By 9 months, your pediatrician’s office should be a bit more comfortable! You are a pro and by now, you have established a healthy dialogue with your child’s pediatrician and their supporting staff. Your child may even be sitting up on themselves or perhaps getting ready to crawl away!
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive their final dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine and the third dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) if they have not already received it.
Happy Birthday! Your 12 Month Check Up
Congratulations! You did it!
Twelve months have flown by and you’ve got most of those annoying shots under your belt. You have been to the pediatrician’s office a handful of times and you’re getting the hang of this parenting thing!
Immunizations
While each office may have different schedules, it is likely that your child will receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR), Hepatitis A and Varicella (chickenpox).
It may seem like a lot of back and forth, but by now you should have built a trusted relationship with your pediatrician’s office. The doctor will have a great record of your child’s growth until this point and a thorough vaccination record.
