Your Baby’s 1-Month Health Check

Your baby's first health checkup will be about one month after you bring him home from the hospital. Your provider will check his weight and height, and offer you advice on how to handle minor illnesses or concerns at home and when to call the doctor.

You're still getting used to life with your baby, so give yourself as much time for this checkup as you can. Bring along whatever you need to keep your baby warm, fed, and contented, and make sure to bring a copy of your newborn's hospital record, if you have it.

At This Visit, Your Provider Will Probably:

• Weigh and measure your baby to make sure he's growing at a healthy rate.

• Check that his umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the belly button is healing well. If your baby son was circumcised, your provider will check that this is healing as well.

• Give your baby a hepatitis shot if he didn't get one at the hospital or at a previous doctor's visit.

• Address any health concerns that he or she notices, such as cradle cap or diaper rash.

• Ask you about your baby's sleeping, eating, and elimination patterns.

What Your Healthcare Provider Will Want To Know

• Has your baby seen another healthcare provider since the last visit? If so, why? What was the outcome of that visit, and were any medications or treatments prescribed?

• Does your baby hold her head up when you put her on her tummy?

• Does she quiet down, at least briefly, when she hears you or when you pick her up?

• Does she sleep a little longer during some part of the day or night?

• Does she have longer periods when she's alert?

• Does she follow you with her eyes, and study your eyes and face when you're close?

• Does she respond to your voice or other sounds?

• Is she put to sleep on her back? Are her bedding and room appropriate?

• Does she watch a mobile above her?

• Is she a little fussier at the end of the day? All of these behaviors are expected at this time.

• If you are breastfeeding, are you taking any medication or supplements?

• Are there any special stresses or changes at home?

Talk It Over

You no doubt have many other concerns. Now's the time to discuss them with your provider. Here are a few common issues:

• How is your baby eating and sleeping? Let your provider know how often your baby eats.

• Talk about how siblings and other family members are adjusting.

• Ask about crying management and comforting techniques. Your baby should respond to being held. Discuss pacifier use as well.

Speak Up!

New parents always have questions. Your healthcare provider is there to help, so don't be shy. For example, you should speak up if the following situations apply to you:

• People are giving you advice that confuses you or is contradictory.

• Your baby doesn't respond to sounds, especially your voice.

• Your baby isn't moving both hands and feet equally.

• Your baby has a puffy or runny eye.

• Your baby doesn't focus on your face when she is alert.

• You're having a hard time comforting your baby.

• You're feeling blue, or having a hard time sleeping or eating.

• You're going back to work soon, and you're not sure how you're going to manage it.

• Your baby doesn't stay awake for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Although every baby is different and reaches developmental milestones at unique times, it's always reassuring to discuss any issues or concerns about your baby's development with your provider.