Six-Month Well-Baby Visits: What to Expect
1. Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference will be taken. These measurements are the most obvious ways to determine if your baby is getting enough to eat and growing correctly. The pediatrician will continue to plot these measurements on a growth chart that is updated at each visit to track your child's growth. Comparing your child's growth from one visit to the next will help the doctor see if there is a consistent and appropriate rate of growth. The chart will also show the percentiles at which your child's measurements fall, which simply compares his or her size to that of other babies the same age.
2. The soft spots on the top and back of the head will be checked. The soft spot on the back of the head will probably be closed by the time of the six-month visit. The one on top will close by about 18 months.
3. The eyes, ears, and mouth will be checked for any irregularities. The doctor will shine a light into the baby's eyes to check for pupil dilation.
4. The doctor will listen to the lungs, heart, and belly with a stethoscope. This part of the exam will help determine if there are any breathing problems or heart murmurs/irregularities. He or she will also feel baby's belly area to make sure there is no swelling of the internal organs.
5. Diaper area will be checked for any swelling or lumps.
6. Legs and hips will be rotated to check for hip dysplasia or other joint or movement problems.
7. Temperature and reflexes may also be checked.
8. There will be vaccinations given at the 6-month visit. Vaccinations are very important to baby's health, but painful for the moment! The doctor should give you information about each vaccination that your baby needs. Be prepared to hold your baby's hands during the shots, and to hold and comfort baby after the shots are given. You may want to give baby some Tylenol (acetaminophen) to help with the pain. Ask your doctor about the correct dosage.
9. The pediatrician will ask you some questions about your baby. These may include questions about frequency of feedings, and urination and bowel movements. He or she will also ask you about developmental milestones, such as rolling over, transferring objects from one hand to the other, imitating sounds, and bearing weight on legs when held up.
10. Babies will usually be ready to start solid foods by the age of 6 months. The doctor will talk to you about introducing baby food if you have not already done so. If you have already started, your doctor can help you know how much baby food and what types you should be offering your baby each day. You may also talk about baby beginning to drink out of cup.
11. You will also be able to ask questions of the pediatrician. It is a good idea to write down any questions you have before you go for the visit. It is often difficult to remember questions when you are in the office and taking in a lot of information at once. You should also ask any questions that come to mind during the exam. If you do not understand something, go ahead and ask for clarification so you will not leave confused. If you have any concerns about your baby's health or development, you should ask! If you have any questions about feeding, sleeping, teething, or any aspect of baby's care, you should ask! When you are at a well-baby visit, you have your doctor's time and attention, so take advantage of it.
Your child's six-month well-baby visit will help you to see if your baby is healthy and growing well. It is a time for providing your doctor with important information, and for receiving important information from your doctor. Finding out that baby is doing well is very reassuring for parents. If there does happen to be a health problem, it is best to find out so that it can be treated. Good preventative care will give your child a great, healthy start to life.
Published by Kris B
Kris has been working as a webmaster for several websites, including: www.nanettes.com, www.kcjmarketing.com, and www.skylarstoys.com View profile
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