-FINAL_v2.png "When Are Baby Development Checks?")
-FINAL_v2.png?resize=640%2C400&ssl=1)
Source: bing.comTable of Contents
Introduction
As a new parent, it’s normal to have questions about your baby’s development. One of the most common questions is when to take your baby for a development check. These checks are important for ensuring your baby is growing and developing as they should be. In this article, we’ll go over when baby development checks are typically done, what to expect during the check, and why they are important.
When Are Baby Development Checks?
Baby development checks are usually done at specific times during your baby’s first year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following schedule:
- At birth: your baby will have a physical exam and screening tests before leaving the hospital
- 1-2 months: your baby will have their first well-child check with their pediatrician
- 4-6 months: your baby will have another well-child check
- 9 months: your baby will have another well-child check
- 12 months: your baby will have their first birthday checkup
These checks are usually covered by insurance and are important for monitoring your baby’s growth and development.
What Happens During a Development Check?
During a development check, your baby’s pediatrician will examine your baby’s overall health and development. This may include:
- Measuring your baby’s height, weight, and head circumference
- Checking your baby’s reflexes, hearing, and vision
- Asking questions about your baby’s feeding, sleeping, and bowel movements
- Checking your baby’s motor skills, such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling
- Checking your baby’s cognitive and social development, such as making eye contact, responding to sounds, and smiling
Your pediatrician may also give your baby vaccinations during these visits.
Why Are Baby Development Checks Important?
Baby development checks are important for several reasons. First, they help ensure that your baby is growing and developing as they should be. If there are any concerns or delays in your baby’s development, your pediatrician can address them early on, which can improve outcomes. Second, these checks are an opportunity for you to ask questions and get advice from your pediatrician about your baby’s care. You can discuss things like feeding, sleep, and safety, which can help you feel more confident in your parenting abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baby development checks are an important part of your baby’s healthcare. They are typically done at specific times during your baby’s first year and involve a physical exam and assessment of your baby’s growth and development. These checks are important for ensuring your baby is healthy and developing as they should be. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I schedule my baby’s first development check?
A: Your baby’s first well-child check should be done at 1 to 2 months of age.
Q: How often should my baby have a development check?
A: Baby development checks are typically done at 1 to 2 months, 4 to 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age.
Q: What happens during a development check?
A: During a development check, your baby’s pediatrician will examine your baby’s overall health and development, which may include measuring their height, weight, and head circumference, checking their reflexes, hearing, and vision, and assessing their motor, cognitive, and social development.
Q: Why are baby development checks important?
A: Baby development checks are important for ensuring your baby is growing and developing as they should be and for addressing any concerns or delays in development early on. They are also an opportunity to get advice from your pediatrician about your baby’s care.
Q: Are baby development checks covered by insurance?
A: Yes, baby development checks are typically covered by insurance.