Newborn Checkup Guide 2025 — What You Must Know

When your baby is born, a Newborn Checkup helps catch hidden problems early — from hearing to heart, growth to hearing, even issues you cannot see. A checkup can make a big difference and help your baby start healthy. 

I saw it myself when my child’s first visit showed early jaundice and got treatment fast.

What Happens in a First Newborn Checkup

At the first newborn physical examination, doctors or nurses take several important steps. This is often called the newborn physical examination.

Note: Even if your baby looks healthy, these tests help find issues early — before they cause trouble. That’s the power of comprehensive infant health screening.

When Should the Checkup Happen

·         Within first 24–72 hours — the first exam and screenings happen; ideally, before leaving the hospital.

·         6–8 weeks later — a follow-up visit to re-check hips, heart, eyes, genitals (for boys), since some issues appear after the first days.

If you have a home birth, left the hospital early, or live far from the hospital, don’t wait. Schedule the checkup as soon as possible.

What Tests Are Included and Why They Matter

 Blood-spot Screening (“Heel Prick”)

·         Done within 24–48 hours of birth. A few drops of blood from the baby’s heel are collected on a special card.

·         Tests look for rare but treatable disorders: metabolic, genetic, hormonal, and blood disorders.

·         Early detection may prevent serious diseases later — that’s the goal of newborn screening.

 Pulse Oximetry & Heart Check

·         Measures oxygen level to detect possible critical congenital heart defects (CCHD).

·         Heart and lung examination also ensures a normal heartbeat and breathing. (

 Hearing Screening

·         Usually done while baby sleeps — painless, fast. Detect any hearing problems early so intervention can begin.

 Physical Exam (Head-to-Toe)

Doctors check:

·         Skin and head

·         Eyes (vision, red reflex)

·         Ears, mouth, palate

·         Heart and lungs

·         Hips and limbs (for growth, joint issues)

·         Genitals (for boys — testicles descent)

·         Reflexes and nervous system signs — to see early brain or nerve issues

What Parents Should Bring & Ask — Be Prepared

What to bring:

·         Birth records (birth weight, Apgar score, discharge weight)

·         A small notebook or phone to take notes

·         Questions about feeding, diapers, sleep, and any worries

What to ask/expect:

·         Confirm your baby got all screenings (blood, hearing, heart).

·         Ask about weight loss or feeding concerns — many babies lose some weight early.

·         Ask when the next appointment is and what to watch out for (jaundice, feeding problems, breathing, colour changes).

Parent tip: Having a “baby checkup list” helps — I used one in my first week at home and felt less stressed.

Hidden but Crucial: Special Cases You Should Know

Not all babies follow the same path. If your baby had complications or left the hospital quickly, extra care may be needed.

 When extra care matters:

·         Home birth or early discharge — ensure screening gets done within the first days.

·         Premature birth or NICU stay — check with pediatrician about extended screening.

·         Symptoms like yellow skin (possible jaundice), weak feeding, or unusual colour — don’t wait.

Some health issues are invisible at birth — only tests detect them. That’s why postnatal baby check + screening matters even if the baby looks healthy.

Common Parental Worries — What’s Normal vs When to Ask a Doctor

My Story — Why This Checkup Felt So Important

I remember my baby’s first visit. I was worried: “Is everything okay?” The nurse measured his weight, performed a heel prick, and examined his heartbeat. They told me, “All good, but we need to watch his bilirubin (skin yellowing).”

In just a few days, with more feeding and follow-up, the jaundice went away. That little check felt like a gift — a safeguard. I believe every parent deserves that calm feeling.

Key Facts Box

·         A newborn checkup involves tracking growth, running screening tests, a full physical exam, and assessing hearing and heart health.

·         When: first 24–72 hours; follow-up at 6–8 weeks

·         Why: Find hidden problems early — from metabolic to heart, hips, hearing, eyes

·         What you do: bring records, take notes, ask questions, schedule follow-up

Key Takeaways

·         A Newborn Checkup is more than a routine — it’s a vital first step to safeguarding your baby’s health.

·         It includes a full body exam + newborn screening tests (blood, hearing, heart).

·         Timing matters: first days after birth, then follow-up weeks later.

·         Always bring birth records and ask about what tests were done.

·         Even if the baby looks healthy, screening may catch hidden issues.

·         If you had early discharge or home birth — don’t skip. Schedule the checkup soon.

FAQs about Newborn Checkup

Q: What checks are done on newborns?
A: Babies get a full physical exam, growth measurements, blood-spot test, hearing screening, heart and lung check, and reflex/neuro evaluation.

Q: What happens at a newborn check-up?
A: The doctor or nurse measures weight/length/head size, examines eyes, heart, hips, genitals (if boy), checks reflexes, plus performs screening tests to find hidden conditions.

Q: What is the 3-6-9 rule for babies?
A: The “3–6–9” rule often refers to developmental checkups at 3, 6, 9 months. For newborns, focus on an early checkup within the first 3 days and a follow-up around 6–8 weeks.

Q: What are the 7 reflexes of a newborn?
A: Common newborn reflexes include: rooting, sucking, Moro (startle), grasp, stepping, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes. Doctors check these in the first few days as part of the newborn examination.

Q: What are the 20 neonatal reflexes?
A: Newborns may have many reflex responses beyond the major ones — doctors look for reflexes in limbs, face, sucking, swallowing, etc. This helps assess the nervous system’s health.

Q: What are the four types of reflexes?
A: Reflexes may be grouped as: primitive reflexes (e.g. rooting, Moro), postural reflexes, locomotor reflexes (stepping), and protective reflexes (withdrawal).

Conclusion

Your baby’s first few days are full of wonder — and responsibility. A Newborn Checkup gives them a safe start. It helps catch problems early, saves unwanted surprises, and gives you peace of mind.

I wrote this guide because I’ve seen the difference between good checkups. May this give you the clarity and confidence to move forward prepared. Your baby deserves the best start — and a simple checkup can help make that happen.

References

       American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Newborn Checkup Guidelines
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/Your-Childs-Checkups/Pages/default.aspx
 My HealthFinder (ODPHP/HHS) - Make the Most of Your Baby's Visit
https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/
 Texas Children's Hospital - Newborn Checkups
https://www.texaschildrens.org/baby-guide/checkups-and-doctor-visits