Because your baby grows rapidly during these months, your
questions may move from simple sleeping and eating concerns to
those about physical development and motor skills. Your child's
doctor will monitor your baby's progress and answer your
questions.
When Will We See the Doctor?
Most likely your baby will now be seen at 4 months and at 6
months, but your doctor may have a different schedule for
well-baby visits. Extra visits may be scheduled to check on a
problem found earlier.
Many parents call the doctor more often about suspected colds or
ear infections during these months, especially in wintertime. Once
babies can reach out and grab objects, and start having contact
with more people, they can be at increased risk for contagious
illness, particularly if entering childcare or if they have older
siblings. Also, much of the immunity that they received from their
mothers before birth is "wearing off" now.
What Happens at the Office Visit?
Well-baby visits vary from doctor to doctor, but here are some
common elements of a checkup:
- Measurement of your baby's length, weight, and head
circumference. Growth will be plotted on a growth chart, and
you'll be advised of the progress.
- A physical exam to check for normal function of the eyes,
ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, arms and legs, etc. The doctor will
check the baby's soft spot (fontanel) at the top of the head,
and may check baby's mouth for signs of teething.
- A review of your baby's physical and emotional
development through both observation and your progress report.
Can your baby hold up his or her head? Is your
tot rolling over? Attempting to sit up after 6 months?
Trying to use his or her hands more and more? How does he or she
react to strangers? Your doctor may ask you these questions and
more.
- You may be asked how you are doing with your baby and how the
rest of the family is doing. Your doctor may go over safety
questions with you: Have you babyproofed your home? Is your
little one in an appropriate
safety seat
while in the car? Have you begun removing mobiles and bumpers
from the crib if your baby can pull himself up?
- A discussion of your baby's
eating habits
, including the likelihood that solid foods will be introduced
soon.
- Advice on what to expect in the coming months.
- Your baby will receive
immunizations
during some visits (see below).
Sometime during the 6 months before their first birthday babies
are checked for anemia (low blood iron). This can be done with a
simple finger prick to collect a drop of blood for examination.
Other than this test, most babies do not need any routine
laboratory tests in the first year of life.
Bring to the doctor any questions or concerns you may have at
this time. Make sure to write down any specific instructions you
receive regarding special baby care. Keep updating your
child's permanent medical record, listing information on growth
and any problems or illnesses.
What Immunizations Will My Baby Receive?
Immunizations generally given at the 4-month visit:
- second diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP)
vaccine
- second Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
- second polio vaccine (IPV)
- second pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine
- second hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine (can vary depending on
whether your doctor uses combination vaccines)
At the 6-month visit, your baby may receive the following:
- third diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP)
vaccine
- possibly the third polio vaccine (IPV) at this time
- third hepatitis B vaccine (if first two doses have been given
earlier)
- third Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
- third pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine
When to Call the Doctor
Colds and other illnesses are a part of growing up. Your
baby is beginning to explore and probably is being exposed to other
kids. While it's hard to see your baby fight a stuffy nose
or suffer with an ear infection, rest assured that most kids grow
out of the frequent-illness stage (though perhaps not for some
time).
Meanwhile, these safeguards can help keep your baby well:
- Breastfeeding your baby will provide antibodies and enzymes
that help protect against illness.
- Try to keep your baby away from kids you know are sick,
especially those with infectious diseases such as
chickenpox
.
- Family members who are sick should not share food or drink
with the baby, and they should wash their hands well before
handling the baby and your tot's toys.
- Be vigilant about your baby's vaccines. Stick to the
immunization schedule recommended by your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if your baby seems lethargic or less
energetic, refuses to eat, suddenly has trouble sleeping, has
diarrhea, or is vomiting. Also, a temperature over 101º Fahrenheit
(38.3º Celsius) should be reported to the doctor immediately, even
if your baby seems well otherwise.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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