As a new parent, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed with all the things you need to do to keep your baby healthy and thriving. From feeding them the right amount of milk to using the right products to keep them clean and comfortable, there’s a ton of decisions you need to make to ensure your baby is healthy and happy – which can get overwhelming at times. One way to know if you are on track to keeping your baby as healthy as possible is through regular wellness checkups with their pediatrician.
The Importance of Wellness Checkups
Wellness checkups are important for a number of reasons. First, they allow your doctor to check your baby’s growth and development. This is important because it helps to ensure that your baby is on track and that there are no underlying health problems. Second, wellness checkups give your doctor a chance to answer any questions you have about your baby’s health. Finally, wellness checkups provide an opportunity for your doctor to vaccinate your baby against common childhood diseases.
Growth and Development
One of the most important things during a wellness checkup is that your doctor will check your baby’s growth and development. This includes measuring your baby’s height, weight, and head circumference. Your doctor will also inquire about your baby’s development, such as their motor skills, language skills, and social skills.
It’s important to have your baby’s growth and development checked regularly, because it helps to ensure that they are on track. If your doctor sees that your baby is not growing or developing at the expected rate, they can investigate further to see if there is a problem that should be addressed.
Answering Your Questions
In addition to checking your baby’s growth and development, your doctor will also answer any questions you have about your baby’s health. This is a great opportunity to ask about anything that’s been on your mind, such as feeding, sleeping, or potty training. Your doctor can also provide you with information about common childhood illnesses and how to prevent them.
Vaccinations
An important part of a wellness checkup is getting your baby vaccinated. Vaccines help to protect your baby from serious childhood diseases, like measles, mumps, and rubella. They also help to protect other children in your community who may not be able to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies get a series of vaccines starting at birth. These vaccines protect against a variety of diseases, including:
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Rotavirus
- Polio
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Getting the Most Out of Wellness Checkups
Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your baby’s wellness checkups:
- Bring a list of questions you want to ask the doctor.
- Track your baby’s growth and development at home, so you can share it with the doctor.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your baby’s feeding, sleeping, and potty training habits.
- Ask the doctor about any concerns you have about your baby’s health and development.
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations for vaccines.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your baby gets the most out of their wellness checkups.
When to Visit Your Baby’s Pediatrician
In addition to regular wellness checkups, there are other times when you should take your baby to see their pediatrician. These include:
- If your baby is showing any signs of illness, such as fever, rash, or vomiting
- If your baby is not gaining weight or growing as expected
- If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s health
Here is a list of some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that your baby needs to see a pediatrician:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in a baby under 3 months old, or a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in a baby over 3 months old
- A rash that is red, raised, or bumpy, or a rash that is accompanied by fever, fussiness, or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting more than once or twice, or ifit is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or lethargy
- Diarrhea more than three times in a 24-hour period or if it is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or lethargy
- Constipation that is more than three days without a bowel movement or accompanied by pain or straining
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Difficulty breathing, such as gasping for air, wheezing, or stridor
- Seizure or a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause shaking, stiffness, or loss of consciousness
- Any injury that is severe or does not seem to be getting better on its own
Comprehensive Wellness Checkups for Babies in Spring & The Woodlands, TX
Wellness checkups are an important part of keeping your baby healthy. They allow your doctor to check your baby’s growth and development, answer your questions, and vaccinate your baby against common childhood diseases. If you have a new baby, be sure to schedule regular wellness checkups with their doctor.
Looking for a comprehensive wellness checkup for your baby in Spring and the Woodlands? You can rely on our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatricians at Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. You may call our friendly staff at (281) 296-7770 for any questions. You can also book a visit using our online appointment request form.
