One of the most important things parents can do for a child is a well-baby check-up from their pediatrician. This friendly and informative visit is crucial to your child’s overall well-being and your peace of mind as the primary caregiver.
Let’s talk about what happens during these check-ups and where you can go in TX for comprehensive pediatric care.
A Head-to-Toe Assessment of Your Baby
Your baby’s doctor in Spring, TX, will perform a gentle, and comprehensive physical assessment, which m to include:
- A check of length, weight, and head circumference (an inspection of fontanels, or soft spots on the skull)
- Reflexes, joint function, lung, and heart assessment (including heart murmurs)
- Inspection of eyes, ears, and skin (including color for the presence of jaundice)
- Examination of genitals and circumcision sites
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Inspection for abdominal or inguinal hernias
As a part of your child’s medical record, the doctor will chart length, growth, and head circumference and calculate the baby’s growth percentile compared to other children of the same age and gender. The medical record will also include information on vaccinations, any essential findings on physical examination, and any family medical history.
Necessary Vaccinations to Prevent Childhood Illnesses
Your baby’s immunizations against infectious diseases begin in the hospital shortly after birth. The Hepatitis B vaccine is the first of these important protective medicines.
Vaccines continue with the baby’s two-, four-, six- and twelve-month birthdays. At Northwoods Pediatrics Center, our pediatricians follow the immunization schedules published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Childhood immunizations safely and effectively protect against a wide range of infectious diseases and their life-altering complications.
Education And Consultation for Parents
During the baby wellness visit, the pediatrician will discuss sleep patterns, feeding (including formula, lactation, teething, and introduction of solid foods), and safety concerns (car seats, activity level, coordination, and sleep positions).
Also, this informative visit is your opportunity to ask the doctor questions regarding:
- Behavior (crawling, playing with toys, and vocalizing)
- Family dynamics, including interaction with siblings
- Your baby’s temperament and cognitive development
- Your role as primary caregiver
Be sure to tell your pediatrician how well you are adjusting to parenthood. This caring provider wants your baby–and you–to thrive during these early years because they form the foundation for childhood and family health and well-being.
Also, pediatricians are excellent resources regarding referrals to medical specialists and community resources, including child care, early childhood education, and more. So, be sure to ask any questions you may have regarding parenting.
Wellness Check-ups for Babies in Spring and The Woodlands, TX
At Northwoods Pediatrics Center, the wellness check-ups for babies give parents the tools they need to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Our four physicians and their team stress the importance of preventive care and excellent communication between home and health care providers.
Please call us today to schedule your baby’s wellness exam: (281) 296-7770, or request a visit online through our helpful website.
