Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

If you're looking at your calendar and thinking, "Another pediatrician appointment?," just remember: During your baby's first year, you'll spend so much time at your doctor's office, he'll quickly feel like part of the family. And these frequent first-year visits don't even include the times (hopefully few!) when your baby is sick.

At these appointments, your doctor will assess your baby's growth, update his immunizations, and address any concerns you might have about his development, eating and sleeping patterns, and more.

Some individual pediatricians ask you to come in when the baby is a week old, while others wait two or more weeks for that first visit. As a general rule, though, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends an initial checkup at 2 to 4 weeks (ideally, he'll also have checked the baby in the hospital). After that, you'll likely come in at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Here's what you can expect to happen at most well-baby visits:

• The stats. Your baby's weight, length, and head circumference will be measured and plotted on a chart. You'll hear her "percentiles" -- numbers that assess her growth relative to other babies the same age. The point is not to compare to other babies, but to be sure your baby's own growth curve remains more or less steady.
• A physical exam. Your doctor will check your infant's fontanels -- the soft spots on his head where his skull has not yet fused; his eyes (for discharge or tear-duct blockage, and how well he tracks movement); his ears and mouth (for signs of infection); his abdomen (for a possible hernia, which is common); and his genitals. He'll also flex your baby's hips, checking for signs of dislocation, and judge whether he's meeting certain milestones like holding up his head, and, later, sitting up, etc.
• Shots. Depending on which visit it is, your baby will likely get one or more immunizations. Stay calm yourself and your baby will likely handle the shot with a minimal amount of crying, but be prepared to offer breast or bottle right afterwards to soothe her.
• Q&A Your doctor will ask how your baby is sleeping, eating, and filling his diapers. If you have concerns, this is the time to bring them up. Is your baby crying excessively? Not taking a bottle? Are you worried that back-sleeping is causing a flat spot on his head? Do you have questions about diaper rash, cradle cap, teething, starting solids, pushy in-laws? Ask away -- chances are, he's heard it all before.