The journey of those nine months - filled with a roller coaster of emotions mixed with excitement and anxiety. The end result - a bundle of happiness wrapped in your arms. Worth all the wait, isn’t it?
This u turn of life of having become a parent brings out an unconditional self from within that is both new and indifferent even if it isn’t for the first time. The priority entirely surrounds the infant’s needs and the parents preparedness in meeting it
After a few hours of the infant’s birth, will soon be followed by a series of health check-up’s as part of their wellness with a list of tests and examinations to confirm their wellbeing
Pediatric doctors across recommend regular baby check-ups immediately after birth soon followed by 3-5 days after birth and then systematically at 1,2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months. However different physicians may alter the schedules as required. During these periodic check-ups, babies are commonly checked for physical growth, mental progress, feeding , immunization among other things.
Track Age Wise Progress of a Newborn
Your chosen pediatrician is to conduct a complete and thorough physical examination of your baby from time to time which includes recording the infant’s height, weight and other vital to record if the growth and development of the baby are advancing normally from the time of birth with the months followed. A health booklet is usually provided to help maintain a record of the infant’s progress including calendar of the vaccinations and other important information
Family’s Medical History
Discussing the family ’s medical history with your doctor is important to rule out any concerns or health issues which could be either genetic or hereditary related
Immunizations
Standard vaccination routine should be maintained as per age wise calendar provided during birth and upcoming growing months of the baby as advised by your pediatric health care
What to expect during the quarterly scheduled check up’s of your baby with the pediatrician
From zero to 3 months:
- Soon after birth up until the first three months a complete physical examination is followed to check your newborn’s progress in terms of weight and height and record it in the growth chart
- Examination of the soft spot on the head along with its circumference, eyes, ears, mouth, hips, hands, legs, skin and all other organs to assess the overall health condition of the baby
- Track the behavioral patterns like crying, cooing, breathing, feeding and sleep patterns in order to monitor the physical and emotional development of the infant
- Ruling out on any ailments specially related to Jaundice
- Timely Vaccination shots to be given to your little one as prescribed by your pediatric
From 3 to 6 months
- Now that your infant has crossed the first trimester milestone, the physician will continue to check further progress of your baby’s physical and emotional progress
- At the beginning of this phase it would be advised by the pediatric care to conduct hematocrit or hemoglobin screening to determine the incidence of iron deficiency or anemia if any
- Record the growing length, hearing and viewing ability
- Check eye co-ordination, neck movement, reflexes and alertness
- Consulting of Introduction to solid food towards the end of this trimester which will require assessment of bowl movement and nursing methods
- Observation of baby’s movements which would have changed from turning to slow crawling
- Assessment of allergies, colic worries, ear pain, nose and chest congestion and other concerns if any
From 6 to 9 months
- This is the phase when your baby starts showing signs of their personalities. It can be noticed that they exhibit certain behavioral patterns which are to be monitored.
- Physical assessment will be conducted as usual to check consistent growth and overall wellbeing of the baby and recorded in the health booklet
- Shift in eating patterns and sleep cycles will be discussed
- Examining body movement in terms of motor skills and rolling over including neck movement and sitting upright should be checked
- Seek more information on new solid foods to be introduced to the toddler
From 9 to 12 months
- Another round of full body check and measurements are conducted and recorded
- More observations are made regarding the growing baby’s social and motor skills
- At around the 9th month the first tooth would be seen which starts their timely oral check and will need to remain consistent hence forth
- Recommendations will be given to handle concerns of toothing
- Screening will be made to detect iron and calcium levels
- Expected walking and baby talk milestone will be noticed towards the end of the 12th month in the toddler and assessed
- Handle concerns related to any sort of sickness
- Continue to maintain immunization schedules and growth charts as advised by the doctor as maintained across all months
Happy Parenting !!
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As parents there may be several doubts and concerns which should be discussed at a timely basis with your doctor without shying away. Timely monitoring, emotional conditioning and bonding with your baby is much needed and recommended. Not only does it change the dynamics of parenting but also makes it an organic process. Most importantly a timely watch on your baby’s health and vital check will always ensure to keep all worries and concerns at bay