The arrival of a newborn in one’s life is always an incredibly joyous occasion. Parenting is a lifetime’s most beautiful journey. It involves joys, challenges, patience, sacrifices, and countless learning opportunities. With this cherishing occasion comes a massive responsibility to care for the infant.
Newborns require the utmost care from the time they are born. The first six to eight weeks are the most complex and challenging to look after a newborn. An infant needs to be taken care of innumerable chores, for which a regular infant checkup routine should be followed. Some innumerable chores need to be looked after even at home, like proper feeding, proper sleep, hygiene, vaccinations, proper growth development and regular check-ups.
Advantages of a Baby health check-up: An exposure to a healthy start
A regular baby health check-up has many advantages. It’s a rescue from any upcoming concerns of the baby.
These include:
- Early detection: There are advantages to early detection. It addresses any developing or upcoming health risks in infants. It also prevents disability and fatal diseases.
- Prevention: Baby health check-ups and regular follow-ups with the doctor intervene for any health issues. The doctors also advise required infant tips like feeding, crying, and sleeping tips.
- Growth and development track: tracking of baby checkups is essential. It oversees whether the growth and development is satisfactory or delayed.
- Rising concerns: The doctors give follow-up opportunities to consult about any rising concerns in infants. The complications can be monitored and taken care of during the next visit.
An Outline of Infant Check-up: A Guide for Parents
A newborn is delicate and needs regular check-ups. A baby should be cared for properly. Regular checkups are a must.
Mentioned below is a detailed guide for parents:
- After birth: The pediatrician carries out a baby health check-up right after the birth. It is carried out to check vitals, reflexes, the baby’s health and response, and hip stability. It also focuses on running various tests to check for serious health issues.
- 2-4 week check up: The doctor checks the baby and the parents. This check-up also involves monitoring babies’ feeding, weight, hearing, vision, and anemia status. A 2-month check-up involves monitoring height, weight, and head circumference. It also includes monitoring the mother’s physical, emotional, and social assessment.
- 6-month check-up: This assesses physical development in children. Includes monitoring transitioning to solid foods, crawling, sitting, teething, and vaccinations.
- 12-month check-up: The physician assesses a child’s growth and abilities. It involves walking, social development, and first words.
- 18-month check-up: This check-up involves monitoring the child’s physical development. It includes talking, moving, behaving, and understanding of the child.
Safeguarding your newborn: A routine Wellness Checkup
An infant should be seen for wellness checkups regularly. An infant checkup is vital for monitoring the overall growth of the baby. It includes monitoring health, diseases, and growth progress.
Below are some wellness checkups that you should expect:
- Physical examination: A physical exam includes a thorough checkup of the baby. The pedestrian checks the head’s weight, length, and circumference to track growth over time. It also includes assessing pulse, heartbeat, umbilical cord, eyes, muscles, reflexes, general health, and overall physical development.
- Height and weight check: It includes assessing the height and weight of a child. The doctor will weigh and measure the infant’s height and note it on a track chart for future monitoring in the next visit.
- Frequency checkups: These involve infant checkups by pedestrians from birth. They were consistently followed by 3-5 days, followed by checkups at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months.
- Screening test: The doctor will perform some screening tests which include:
- Heart screening
- Hearing test
- Hemoglobin
- Metabolism
- Hormones
- Blood test
- Sleeping habits: The doctor checks the sleeping patterns of the infant. They also advise the required sleeping practices to follow. A night of good sleep promotes a child’s bone growth.
- Feeding: This baby checkup is crucial for the infant’s development. It is carried out to inquire about the feeding habits of the infant. The pedestrian enquires about the way of feeding, whether the infant is breastfed, formula fed, or has started solid foods. They also guide parents on what should be fed for proper nutrition, when, and what new food should be introduced.
- Immunization: The doctor gives and recommends vaccines when needed at different stages of the baby’s health check-up. The vaccine/ immunization is given to prevent life-threatening diseases in the infant. A few standard immunizations are given to infants. Vaccinations given to infants include Polio, Measles, Hepatitis A, B, and Rotavirus.
The benefits of following a wellness checkup for infants have their significance. Regular check-ups promote the overall development and well-being of newborns. It also provides valuable guidance and support to the parents and caregivers.
At Kangaroo Kids, we provide a comprehensive infant health evaluation schedule to ensure your little one grows into a healthy individual. To know more, contact us today.
