How to Prepare for Well Baby Check-ups
Taking your baby or young child to the doctor for routine visits is important even when he feels fine. These visits allow the pediatrician to monitor the growth and development of your infant as well as provide him with immunizations for protection against childhood diseases. Follow these steps to prepare for your baby's routine check-ups.
Step1
Follow the recommendation of your pediatrician as to when the check-ups should be scheduled. Stay on the schedule so immunizations can be given at the appropriate time and age.
Step2
Check with your health insurance provider regarding the coverage of well-baby check-ups. Some providers do not require a co-pay for preventative care. Others require a co-pay or coinsurance for immunizations.
Step3
Make sure you take a diaper bag and pack extra diapers, a bottle or sippy cup and a snack for toddlers. Take along a special toy to help pass any time in the waiting area and for comfort when immunizations are given.
Step4
Most pediatric offices offer two waiting areas: one for sick children and one for well children. Be sure to wait in the area designated for well children so they don't pick up any additional germs.
Step5
Your baby will always be weighed and measured to chart growth on a developmental chart. They are stripped down naked for these measurements, so pack a blanket to keep your baby warm while waiting.
Step6
Your pediatrician will ask you questions about the health and disposition of your baby, so be prepared to answer these. Write down any questions and concerns you have prior to the visit so you don't forget the topics that are important to you.
Step7
Take a chart to the visit of what your baby is eating, how much and how often, the number of soiled diapers in a day, sleep habits and patterns, and the timing of certain developmental milestones. This will help the pediatrician with her examination.
Step8
Stay on the pediatrician's examination schedule, at regular intervals in the office. These normally begin when your baby is four days old, at two weeks, at two months and every two to three months until your baby is 18 months old.
Step9
Discuss any concerns your pediatrician may have about the health and development of your baby. He will also tell you what to expect between that visit and the next. Ask the doctor any questions you may have, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification about anything you don't understand. Your pediatrician will rely heavily on your communication about the overall health of your child.
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How to Prepare for Well Baby Check-ups
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