Baby Health
One of our biggest concerns in baby health comes as we bring the newborn home. It’s not unusual to feel totally lost and helpless in regards to caring for your baby, in spite of your best intentions of reading all the latest books, taking all the recommended classes and making a mantra out of, “I will not do what my mother or father did”. You will find that hands on care of your baby, in your own home, is the best teacher. What works for one baby may not work for yours. In learning this, your baby health knowledge will give you the confidence that you need.
The first year of your baby’s life, you will keep your well baby exam with your doctor. These frequent visits during the first year of your baby’s life will help assure that everything is fine and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and voice any concerns that you have. The doctor will monitor your baby’s growth and development. Immunizations will also be addressed at this time. Be sure to hold your baby close and keep your voice soft and calm. Injections hurt, but baby health is more important, as the pain will pass.
Your doctor will perform a total exam, from one end to the other of the baby. Most newborn exams begin with measurements. Length, weight, and head circumference will be recorded on a growth chart, and included in the baby’s medical record. You’ll get to see how your baby’s growth is compared to other babies the same age. Don’t get fixated on this part of baby health as babies develop differently at a different rate. The margins are wide that a doctor uses in determining if your baby’s development is normal. The baby will be disrobed, so keep a blanket handy for your baby. Health issues are also followed up on during these visits. Check ups for colds, ear infections and rashes are just some of the things you may have concern about.
The physical should include the head. Your pediatrician will check the baby’s soft spot (fontanels). These gaps between the skull bones give the brain room to grow. They are safe to touch and usually go away between 12 and 18 months. The doctor will check the baby’s ears for fluid and how the baby responds to sound. Sometimes having you speak, to see reaction. Baby health at this time does not require a formal hearing test.
Eye movement is observed, and as the baby matures, will be tracked with little light to see reaction. Your doctor will check baby’s mouth for symptoms of oral thrush, a common ailment in infants. It’s easily taken care of. Skin is observed for rash or discoloration. Jaundice is not uncommon and usually clears up on his own. Heart and lungs are listened to for any abnormalities. The abdomen is checked for tenderness. Most hernias in infants heal on their own. Hips and legs are checked for mobility and the genitalia for normal development. Baby health is complete!
