Babies and Toddlers

Well Visits

Your child, especially a newborn, will be on a scheduled series of "well-visits" with the pediatrician to monitor his or her progress and address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are some suggestions to be most prepared and make these appointments as productive as possible.

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?
• Rashes
• Unusual irritability/crying
• Change in coloring
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Change in behavior

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, eyes and any other hallmarks of a physical exam?
• What should you expect or prepare for regarding the next checkup?
• What signs and symptoms warrant a call to the Pediatrician office?

Immunizations