Your Baby's One-Month Check-Up: What to Expect

The first few sleepless weeks have passed and it is time for that one-month well-baby visit to the pediatrician. If you have taken your baby in for weight checks or for a visit a day or two after your discharge from the hospital, you may be more familiar with the drill. If not, there is no need to worry. The hardest part is getting out the door and to the office on time. As check-ups go, the one-month is an easy appointment and it is great to see the progress your baby has made in just a short period of time.

After you arrive and are taken back to the exam room, you can expect the nurse to ask you to strip down your little one, diaper and all, to be weighed. The nurse will also measure your baby's head circumference and length. All three measurements will be charted for future reference in monitoring your child's growth. You'll re-diaper your baby and swaddle her in a blanket to keep her warm.

When the pediatrician comes in, he will usually spend some time talking with you about how things are going at home. This will include questions about how your baby is eating and sleeping, about numbers of wet and dirty diapers, about her temperament, about how you are feeling and managing, as well as how as any siblings are adjusting to having a new baby at home. This is your opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and be reassured that you are doing a great job. To make the best use of this time, it is helpful to come with notes as to feeding schedules and amounts, any abnormalities or issues you've noted at home, as well any questions you have about what to expect in the next month.

As for the physical, the pediatrician will perform a head to toe exam. Among other things, he will listen to your baby's heart and lungs, check for signs of hip dysplasia, ensure that the umbilicus and, if applicable, circumcision are healing properly, and do a basic vision and hearing check. If there are any specific items of concern that were noted at the hospital or in previous examinations, your pediatrician will also revisit those items. Common issues at the one month check-up include hernias, diaper rash, cradle cap, and feeding and sleep problems. If your baby did not receive an initial Hepatitis B vaccination at the hospital, the pediatrician or nurse may administer the first dose at this visit.

That's it. You'll dress your baby and off you'll go, armed with additional information and, hopefully, a little extra confidence in your parenting skills to get you through the next month.