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Baby Health Checkup
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Children Teenagers

Baby Health Checkup

Regular well-baby exams are essential for monitoring your child's growth and development while ensuring early detection of potential health issues.

Overview

One of the primary responsibilities of caring for a new baby is ensuring they receive regular checkups, also known as well-baby exams. These visits are vital for tracking proper growth and development. If any health problems exist, these exams allow them to be caught early, when they may be easier to treat. Your baby's health care provider will determine the appropriate frequency for these visits.

What to Expect During an Exam

During these checkups, the provider will perform a complete physical exam, which includes:

  • Checking your baby's height and weight
  • Looking at their head, ears, nose, and mouth
  • Listening to their heart and lungs
  • Testing their hearing and vision (for some visits)
  • Checking their reflexes

The provider will also inquire about your baby's development, such as when they began smiling or rolling over. During certain visits, the provider will perform developmental and behavioral screening tests. This information is used to determine if your baby is meeting important developmental milestones.

Vaccines and Preparation

Your baby will receive any necessary vaccines and screenings during the exam. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions regarding your baby's care. You can prepare for these visits by:

  • Making a list of issues and questions you want to discuss
  • Being prepared to answer questions about your baby's behavior, eating, and sleeping habits
  • Being ready to take notes during the visit

In addition to these scheduled checkups, you should contact your health care provider at any time if your baby seems sick or if you have concerns regarding their development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment if your baby shows signs of illness. Contact your pediatrician immediately if you notice a fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a significant change in behavior or feeding. Early intervention is critical for newborns and infants because their conditions can change rapidly. Your provider may advise you to come in for an urgent visit or provide specific home care instructions based on the symptoms described.
drop in percentile does not automatically mean your baby is unhealthy, but it does require monitoring. Percentiles show how your baby compares to others of the same age and sex. A steady drop across multiple visits may indicate a growth issue, such as inadequate nutrition or an underlying medical condition. However, a single shift can be due to measurement error or a temporary change in feeding. Discuss the trend with your pediatrician, who will look at the overall trajectory and physical exam findings to determine if further investigation is needed.
Bring a list of any behavioral changes, feeding difficulties, or sleep issues you have noticed since the last visit. Include details on your baby’s diet, including any new foods introduced and any reactions. It is also helpful to bring a list of questions you want to ask, such as concerns about growth percentiles or upcoming vaccines. If your baby has a medical history or is taking any medications, bring that information as well. This preparation ensures you do not forget important details in the moment and allows the provider to give more personalized advice.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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