Category: 1. Your Child checkups

Your two-year-old is entering a key time for social and emotional development, when toddlers transition to early childhood. This age is a challenging delight. Two-year-olds are extremely curious, constantly exploring and trying things repeatedly as they make sense of the world around them. After all, they need to try out new skills they gain seemingly every day.

At this age, it is normal for your child to have roller coaster emotions. Transitions may be tough, and choices overwhelming. Meals can be challenging. Your child may develop fears of loud sounds, animals or unpredictable events. They may even throw a tantrum to get their way. But they are able to notice emotions in others and will look to you to see your reactions. Modeling positive responses and solutions helps to nurture good behavior and self-confidence.Through reading, playing and letting them see how you handle things, you are a teacher for your child in every way.

What to expect at the 2-year-old checkup

At the 24-month (2-year-old) checkup visit, your child’s pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam. They will also ask about your concerns and assess language development along with progress towards other milestones. Here’s what else to expect at this doctor visit:

Immunizations

By two, most toddlers have received all of the early recommended vaccines. Your doctor will catch up on any that were missed or delayed. Expect an influenza (flu) vaccine if it’s flu season, or a recommendation to get one later when the season arrives. Also, your pediatrician likely will discuss the latest guidelines regarding COVID-19.

Health Screenings

Following a head-to-toe physical exam, your pediatrician will screen for autism and lead poisoning. Depending on your child’s risk factors, the doctor may also screen for anemia, tuberculosis, blood pressure, along with hearing and vision problems. If your child doesn’t yet have a dentist, a fluoride varnish may be applied. Also, pediatricians may talk with you about topics like home safety, food security, and car seat safety. They may ask if you have the things you need to take care of your child.

Developmental Screenings

You know your child best. So be sure to share any questions and concerns you have about your child’s behavior and development. Your pediatrician may ask you a range of questions to better understand your child’s social and emotional milestones, language development and cognitive milestones. For example, they may ask if your child plays with more than one toy at the same time, can kick a ball and eat with a spoon. As much as asking about these milestones, your pediatrician will be observing your child for them during the visit.

Just as in the 18-month checkup, you will be asked to complete an autism spectrum disorder screening questionnaire. These types of screenings are used to identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and possible intervention services that are most effective when started early. If your doctor doesn’t do a screening, you can ask for one.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• When asked, can your child point to at least two body parts, and identify pictures in a book through pointing?
• Do they use buttons, knobs and switches on toys?
• How does your child act around others?
• What are some of the new things your child is doing?
• What do you and your partner enjoy most about your child? What is most difficult?
• Tell me how your child plays.

Questions you may have

• When can we start potty training?
• How long should a time out last?
• Is screen time OK?
• When will my child reach specific milestones?
• When should we switch from the crib to a big kid bed?
• My child is having sleep issues; what do I do?

❓ Did you know
A 2-year-old still has a limited ability to internalize rules for behavior. Giving them choices of acceptable alternatives, redirection and praise for good behavior work better than punishment.

Feeding & Healthy Nutrition

A two-year-old should have three meals a day, with one to two snacks in between. Offer healthy choices, but let your child decide how much food to eat. Choking is a hazard at this age so be sure to review this list of dangerous foods.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• What kinds of drinks do you give your child? How much milk does your child drink each day?
• How often is your family eating meals together?
• What kinds of foods are you offering your child for meals and snacks?
• Do you have a picky eater? What do you do?
• Can your child drink from a cup?

Questions you may have

• How do I get my child to prefer healthy foods?
• How big should serving sizes be?
• Should I give them juice? How much water should my child be drinking each day?
• Are there substitutions I can give my child if they won’t drink milk or eat certain vegetables?
• Does my child need supplements?

Safety

Be sure to ask about your concerns around safety. Your pediatrician may also talk to you about issues like safe play to outdoor safety to possible risks in the home.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Does anyone in your home smoke?
• Do you have a pool or take your child around water? What precautions do you take for your child?
• Do you always feel safe in your home?
• How do you secure home gym equipment?

Questions you may have

• Does my child still have to ride in a rear-facing car safety seat?
• Should I use bug spray on my child?
• How do I know if playground equipment is safe for my child to use?
• What do I do in a poisoning emergency?

Communication Tips

If you have a question or concern about your child’s health, development or behavior, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office.

At a year-and-a-half old, your toddler is excited to be learning more skills. Having mastered walking, they may now be climbing onto chairs and other short pieces of furniture without help. You may find them beaming and clapping for themselves after these impressive feats, looking to you for praise.

Your 18-month-old may insist on going wherever they want one moment, then cling to you the next. They do this to remind themselves of their secure emotional base, which gives them the confidence to explore. Extra patience and a sense of humor can help you with the tough task of setting limits and then regularly reinforcing them.

At the 18-month wellness visit, the pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and check your child’s progress toward important milestones. Here’s what else you can expect at this checkup:

Immunizations

Depending on vaccines your child received at their previous visits, they may be due for a dose of HepA (hepatitis A), for example, or DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis). If it’s flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine.

Health Screenings

Based on your child’s risk factors or any symptoms or concerns, your pediatrician may screen and recommend tests for anemia, lead poisoning, blood pressure, hearing or vision problems. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, your pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.

Developmental Screenings

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also discuss any questions you have about your child’s behavior and development. In addition, they will ask you to complete developmental and autism spectrum disorder screening questionnaires. These tools help pediatricians and families decide if more evaluations are needed and if a child might benefit from early intervention services like speech and physical therapy.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Does your child engage with others for play? Have they started to enjoy scribbling or pretend play?
• Do they help dress and undress themselves?
• Do they point to pictures in a book, or to show you something interesting?
• Do they try to copy some of your actions, like sweeping with a broom?
• Do they turn and look at you if something new happens?
• Do they use words to ask for help?

Questions you may have

• How will I know when my child is ready to begin toilet training?
• Is it OK to use time-outs?
• What’s the best way to calm them when they’re upset?
• What are some ideas for ways to play with them?
• Should my child watch TV or videos or use other digital media?
• How often should I read to my toddler?

❓ Did you know
The 18-month old’s all-purpose response, “No!” is how they express newly formed understanding of choice and autonomy. So, what may seem like defiance or grumpiness is actually a normal sign of their developing sense of self-identity.

Feeding & Healthy Nutrition

Your pediatrician will nutritious foods and beverages for your child, and how expressing independence through food likes and dislikes is completely normal.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Does your child drink water every day?
• How many ounces of dairy milk do they drink most days? Is it whole milk or lower fat milk?
• Do you offer a variety of vegetables, fruits and other nutritious foods?
• How do you feel if your child doesn’t eat what you have prepared for them? What do you do?
• Have they started trying to use a spoon?

Questions you may have

• If my child doesn’t want to eat what I prepared, should I offer them something else?
• Should I give them juice?
• What if my child doesn’t eat three full meals each day?
• What are some good snacks to give them?
• Their appetite seems to be less than it used to be. Is this normal?

Safety

Your pediatrician will talk with you about ways to help keep your child safe from injury and other harms.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Have you secured furniture to the wall so it can’t tip and fall onto your child?
• Do you use gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and keep furniture they can climb on away from windows?
• If there are firearms in your home, are they stored unloaded and locked in a case, with ammunition stored in a separate locked location?
• How do you keep hot liquids out of your toddler’s reach?

Questions you may have

• How long should my child continue riding in a rear-facing car safety seat?
• What’s the best sunscreen to use for kids, and when do they need it?
• How old should my child be before we get a pet?
• What should I do if my child has a poisoning emergency?

Communication Tips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

You now have a full-fledged toddler to keep up with! Those first tentative steps have likely given way to determined dashes to explore everything around them. This is a great time to talk with your child’s pediatrician about creating a safe and structured environment that also allows your fearless explorer freedom to learn from their surroundings.

As usual, the doctor will also perform a physical exam and check your child’s progress toward important milestones. Here’s what else you can expect at the 15-month checkup:

Immunizations

Depending on which vaccines your child got at the 6-and 12-month visits, they may be due for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Hib (haemophilus influenzae type B), PCV 13 (pneumococcal disease), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), or Varicella (chickenpox). They can also get Hep B (hepatitis B), inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and HepA (hepatitis A) doses now or at a later visit. If it’s flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine.

Screenings

The doctor may check your child for anemia at this visit. Based on certain risk factors, they may also test blood pressure, hearing and vision. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, your pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.

Feeding & Development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also observe their development and behavior and perform a physical exam.

Questions Your Pediatrician May Ask

• Can your child drink from a cup with little spilling?
• Do they look around when you say things like “Where’s your ball?” or “Where’s your blanket?”
• Do they use at least 3 words other than names like “Mama” and “Dada?”
• Can they squat to pick up objects?

Questions You May Have

• How can I help my child learn to cooperate when playing with other children?
• What should I do when my child doesn’t finish their food at mealtime?
• Is it OK for my child to sleep with a bottle?
• What is the best way to react when my child misbehaves?

❓Did you know
Letting your toddler make choices about some things will decrease power struggles about others. Whenever possible, allow your child to choose between 2 options that are acceptable to you. For example, let them decide between two of their favorite books to read at bedtime.

Safety

Questions Your Pediatrician May Ask

• How do you keep hot liquids out of your toddler’s reach?
• Do you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home, especially in the furnace and sleeping areas? When were they last tested?
• Is the furniture in your home anchored to the wall?
• Do you have gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and window guards on second- and higher-story windows?

Questions You May Have

• When should I enroll my child in a swimming program?
• How do I know when it is safe to replace our child’s crib with a toddler bed?
• Which emergency numbers should I have in my cell phone and give to my babysitter?
• How can I be sure I am using my child’s car safety seat correctly?

Communication Tips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​​​​Happy first birthday to your baby! That little bundle you first held is now a budding toddler, soon to take their first steps (if they haven’t already). Be sure to share all your proud-parent moments with your pediatrician. Here’s what you can expect at the 12-month checkup:

Immunizations

At the 12-month visit, your baby may receive vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A, and Varicella (chickenpox). They may also be due for a booster shot for earlier vaccines. If it’s flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine.

Screenings

The doctor will check your child for anemia at this visit. Based on your child’s risk, they may also test blood lead level, hearing, vision, and blood pressure. If your child may have been exposed to tuberculosis, they can do a skin test.

Feeding & development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Has your baby tried to stand or take their first steps without support?
• How is your baby doing with feeding themselves during meals and snacks?
• If your baby is formula fed, have you started to switch to whole milk?

Questions you may have

• Why is the best way to react to a tantrum? Are time-outs OK when my child isn’t following directions?
• How can I help my child fall asleep at bedtime?
• How can I encourage my child to try new foods?
• Is it normal for my baby’s appetite​ to change a lot from meal to meal?

❓ Did you know
By 12 months, your baby’s appe​tite may level off some. This is because they are not growing as quickly as they were during their first year. They may eat a lot at one meal and very little at the next. However, hunger guides them to eat enough over time.

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Do you have stair guards and window guards​? Where is the mattress positioned in the crib?
• Do you apply sunscreen and put a hat on your child when they play outside?
• Are there swimming pools or other potential water dangers near or in your home? Are you thinking about starting your child in a swimming program?

Questions you may have

• How long do I need to keep pillows and other soft objects out of the crib?
• Should I use a baby walker?
• Can I put the car safety seat in the front seat of my car?

Communication tips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​9 months…you’re becoming a pro at this! Your baby may be sitting up on their own and getting ready to crawl. Your doctor can guide you through what to expect as they become more active and mobile. Here’s what else you can expect at this checkup:

Immunizations

At the 9-month visit, your baby may receive the final dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) and/or the third dose of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) if they did not get those at the last checkup.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) for children 6 months of age and older as soon as it becomes available. So, if your pediatrician has the influenza vaccine available, be sure to add that one to your checklist.

Note: Infants and children up to 8 years of age who are getting their flu shot for the first time may need two doses, given at least four weeks apart. Be sure to follow up with your baby’s second dose if they get their first one at this appointment.

Screenings

• Developmental screening: This may be a more formal developmental test than your baby had at past appointments. Your pediatrician will ask you a series of questions about your baby’s growth and behavior and may ask you to play with your baby during the screening to observe. The results will show whether your baby is developing at a normal rate or further testing for developmental delays are needed. If your baby is at a greater risk for developmental problems because of preterm birth or low birth weight or has a sibling who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they may receive these screenings more frequently.
• Dental check: Your pediatrician may apply fluoride varnish after your baby’s first tooth appears.

Feeding & development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Do you have concerns about how your child sees​ or hears?
• What is your baby’s nighttime routine like?
• Can your baby pull to stand?

Questions you may have

• When should I discontinue the bottle?
• My baby has separation anxiety. How can I help?
• How much should my baby be eating ​now? (Note: At this age, give 3 meals and 2–3 snacks each day.)

❓ Did you know
By 9 months, a baby’s taste preferences are mostly set. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to continue introducing a variety of flavors, textures and colors into your baby’s diet. 

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Are the TVs and furniture in your home secured to the wall? We can’t stop our little ones from climbing. We can stabilize the things they climb on. Read about how to help prevent furniture and TV tip-overs.
• Are you taking any alone time for yourself? It isn’t selfish—taking time for yourself makes you a better mom!
• Do you find yourself telling your baby “No!” a lot? (Tip: Use “No!” only when your baby is going to get hurt or hurt others.)

Questions you may have

• How do I know if the toys I am buying are safe? How can I tell if something has been recalled?
• What are some safe ways to ease my baby’s teething pain? (Note: Numbing gels or creams that contain benzocaine are not recommended for infants.)
• When do I need to buy a new car seat? (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years of age or, preferably, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer.)

Communication tips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​​​Happy half-birthday to your beautiful baby! By 6 months, most babies have doubled their birth weights. Your 6-month checkup will cover a lot, so get your questions ready!

Immunizations

At the 6-month visit, your baby may receive the third doses of the following vaccines​.

• Rotavirus vaccine
• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) for children 6 months of age and older as soon as it becomes available. So, if your pediatrician has the influenza vaccine available, be sure to add that one to your checklist.

Note: Infants and children up to 8 years of age who are getting their flu shot for the first time may need two doses, given at least four weeks apart. Be sure to follow up with your baby’s second dose if they get their first one at this appointment.

Screenings

• Dental health check: Your pediatrician may apply fluoride varnish after your baby’s first tooth appears. Most babies begin to cut teeth around 6 months of age.
• Maternal depression: Your pediatrician will ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.

Feeding & development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Have you started giving your baby solid foods?
• Is your baby rolling over or able to sit up briefly?
• Has your baby first tooth started to come in?

Questions you may have

• What’s the best way to treat diaper rash?
• When do babies start to crawl?
• How can I help in my baby’s language development? Share books with your baby. Here’s how.
• What should I do if my baby doesn’t like trying new foods​?

❓ Did you know
It may take 10–15 times of giving your baby a food to try before they learn to like it. Be patient! 

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Have you childproofed your home?
• Do you know what to do in a choking emergency? Once baby is eating solid foods, remember to only give very soft, small bites of finger foods.

Questions you may have

• How can I reduce my baby’s chances of developing RSV and bronchiolitis?
• What should the babysitter know about feeding the baby now? Here’s what caregivers need to know about feeding children.

Communication t​ips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​Your baby is getting bigger! And at four months, it’s time for another appointment. Expect the standard procedures this time—measurements, developmental, psychosocial and behavioral observations, and a physical exam. Here some things to plan for at this visit:

Immunizations

At the 4-month visit, your baby may receive the second doses of the following vaccines​.

• Rotavirus vaccine
• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

Screenings

• Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening: Your baby may receive this blood screening that helps detect anemia. Your pediatrician may ask you if your baby is drinking anything other than breast milk or iron-fortified formula, as it is a risk factor for developing anemia.
• Maternal depression: Your pediatrician will ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.

Feeding & development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• How does your baby fall asleep​? Are you giving them a bottle?
• Do you have questions about cleaning your baby’s gums and teething?
• If you are breastfeeding, are you giving your baby an iron supplement? (The AAP recommends giving breastfed infants 1 mg/kg/day of a liquid iron supplement until iron-containing solid foods are introduced at about six months of age).

Questions you may have

• How do I know if my baby’s physical development is on track?
• When do I start my baby on solid foods? Which foods do I start with?
• My baby drools and blows bubbles a lot. Is this normal?
• When can I start reading to my baby?

❓ Did you know
It is never too early to start reading with your baby. It doesn’t’ matter if it’s the sports page or Elmo—it will be the time you share together that counts, so have fun with it!

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Where does your baby sleep at night? A safe sleep space is crucial.
• Are you placing baby in a rear-facing car seat?
• Was your home built before 1978? Have you tested your home for lead?

Questions you may have

• How do I help calm my baby when they get fussy?
• How often should I feed my baby?
• Is it safe to use amber teething necklaces?

Communication t​ips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​​Can you believe it? Your baby is almost 2 months old and its time for another visit to the pediatrician. This appointment may cause some tears, so have your tissues ready. In addition to the usual physical exam, your baby may also get a few shots this time.

Immunizations

During two-month checkups, most babies will be immunized against seven or eight different diseases. Typical immunizations​ given during your child’s 2-month checkup include:

• Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine f
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

It may have you thinking, “Is it really safe to give my baby that many shots at once?” The answer is yes. And luckily, your pediatrician can combine some shots so there’s less pricking and hopefully less crying. See “Multiple Vaccinations at One Time.”

Get the most out of your time with your pediatrician and make a list of your questions ahead of time.

✅ Screenings

• Maternal depression: Your pediatrician will ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.

✅Feeding & development

Your pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Do you have concerns about how your baby sees? Note that occasional crossing of the eyes is normal in these first months.
• Is your baby getting enough tummy time? It’s important for strengthening the head, neck, back, and shoulders.
• How many times are you feeding your baby each day?

Questions you may have

• Is it normal for my baby to smile at me and not others?
• When can my baby start solid foods?
• How can I manage my older children while breastfeeding?

❓ Did you know
We know breast milk​ storage can be confusing, so here’s an easy way to remember: 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator!

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Do you own a changing table? Falls from a high surface can be serious. Keep a hand on your baby when you are dressing or changing him or her. Also remember not to leave your baby unattended on a bed or couch, since they may be rolling over soon soon (if not already)! Find more safety tips here.
• How do you calm your baby when he or she is fussy? Here are some ideas to try.
• Do put your baby on their back​ to sleep, both at naptime and nighttime? Do you need help searching for high-quality child care?

Questions you may have

• Is it safe for me to take medicine while breastfeeding? Always make sure that your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking while you are breastfeeding. Communication is important for optimizing the safety of both you and your baby.
• What is a safe water temperature for my baby’s bath? (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adjusting your water heater so the hottest temperature at the faucet is no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit [48.9 degrees Celsius]).
• If my baby rolls over when sleeping, is there a danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Communication tips

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, he or she will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​Can you believe your baby is already one month old? In addition to checking on your baby’s developmental milestones, your pediatrician will also address what may feel like a million issues and questions. The list below are just some of the topics you may talk about at this visit.

Immunizations

Your baby may receive a second dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine at either the one-month or two-month checkup.

Screenings

• This is a great time to talk with your pediatrician about how things are going at home with your new baby. They may ask about how well baby is eating, if you have enough food, and feel safe and comfortable.
• Your pediatrician might also ask how you are feeling. If you are feeling anxious or sad, or anything else, you are not alone and your pediatrician is ready to help.

Development & feeding

Your doctor will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• How’s your feeding routine going? If you are having any issues with feeding (breast or bottle) now is the time to address them.
• Tell me how you know what your baby wants. What is his cry like? Are the cries different at different times? What do you think they mean?
• How many wet diapers and stools does your baby have each day?

Questions you may have

• Is my baby developing normally?
• What are some of the developmental milestones my baby should reach around one month?
• What are some signs of feeding difficulties in a one month old?

❓ Did you know
Safe sleep is so important, especially in these early months. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), place your baby on their back every time they sleep—at night and for naps.

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Where is your baby sleeping at night?
• What kind of car seat do you have?
• If you are planning to return to work, have you chosen a child care provider?

Questions you may have

• What do I do when the crying is too much?
• How do I know if my baby’s crib is safe?
• Where can I learn infant CPR?

Urgent care & communication tips

The management of acute care for children under age 2 requires special expertise. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend retail-based clinics, telehealth services outside of the medical home, and those acute care services without pediatric expertise for children younger than 2 years.

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. Pediatricians are very accustomed to taking phone calls at all times and can often deal with problems over the phone. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, he or she will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.

​​​​​​​​​​Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! For many parents, the first visit to the pediatrician is also their newborn’s first trip away from home. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with what questions to ask, what paperwork to remember, and what to expect at your baby’s first checkup.

What to bring

Hospital paperwork—including information about your baby’s discharge weight or complications during pregnancy or birth.

Immunizations

Your baby will receive the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine if they did not receive it in the hospital. (The AAP recommends newborns receive their first dose of vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth.)

Screenings

Your pediatrician will review the results of two screenings that all babies receive in the hospital for hearing and blood. Based on the results, your pediatrician may rescreen or recommend a referral to a specialist.

Development & feeding

Your doctor will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• Does your baby receive breast milk, iron-fortified formula, or a combination of the two?
• If breastfeeding, do you have support from a lactation consultant? The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be an adjustment, but try to stick with it! (The AAP recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months. When you add solid foods to your baby’s diet, continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months. You can continue to breastfeed after 12 months if you and your baby desire.)
• Is your breastfed baby getting a vitamin D supplement? (The AAP recommends 400 IU of supplemental vitamin D daily, beginning in the first few days of life.)

Questions you may have

• How many diapers should I be changing?
• How long is formula good after making it?
• How long is breast milk good after pumping it?
• How well can my baby see​?

❓ Did you know

Your baby can see you best if you are face-to-face about 6 to 10 inches away. Learn more about newborn eye​sight.

Safety

Questions your pediatrician may ask

• How are you feeling? If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.
• Where does your baby sleep? Here are great tips from the AAP on keeping your sleeping baby safe.

Questions you may have

• Are my baby’s umbilical cord and/or circumcision healing as expected?
• Am I preparing bottles safely?
• When is it safe to bathe​ my baby?
• What should I do if my baby has a fever? Can you show me how to safely use a rectal thermometer to take my baby’s temperature?

Communication

Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns—even if you know the office is closed. If your pediatrician is unable to see you but believes your baby should be examined, they will advise you on the most appropriate place for your baby to receive care and how quickly your baby should be seen.