Once your baby is born, you need to stay on top of its health. Child well checks are important for the child’s health and help to prevent many illnesses and diseases. 75% of every 1,000 babies experience hearing loss, so 95% of newborns will get a hearing test a month after their birth. It is important to get these health checks done so that your baby can have a healthy life.

Height and Weight

During child well checks, the doctor will check the baby’s height and weight. A baby’s weight should double by five to six months old and triple by the baby’s first birthday. The doctor will also keep track of the child’s head circumference. This measurement is important because it can show if the child is growing at a healthy rate.

Vision Screening

Starting at around six months old, the doctor will do a vision screening on the child. This is important because some babies are born with eye problems that can lead to blindness. The doctor will use a special tool to check the child’s eyes. If the child does have an eye problem, the doctor will refer them to an eye specialist.

Hearing Test

As mentioned earlier, all newborn babies will get a hearing test by way of a special machine. If the child does have hearing loss, the doctor will refer them to a specialist. Signs of hearing loss in a baby include not responding to loud noises, not turning their head towards sounds, and not making any babbling noises by 12 months old.

Developmental Screening

A developmental screening includes a series of tests that make sure the child is hitting milestones. Milestones include things like rolling over, sitting up, and walking. The doctor will ask the parents questions about the child’s development and will also do some physical tests.

Vaccinations

The child will also get certain vaccinations during this time. These vaccines help to protect the child from diseases such as polio, measles, and chickenpox. The doctor will also talk to the parents about other ways to keep the child healthy, such as hand-washing and wearing a helmet when riding a bike.

Child well checks are important for a child’s health and development. It is important to get these health checks done so that your baby can have a healthy life and spot problems early. For more information on children’s care, give us a call today.