Published - February 23 Last Updated: February 23, 2026
At our first pediatrician visit, I brought a typed list of 47 questions. The doctor smiled and said, "We have time." That 45-minute appointment covered everything from diaper counts to my postpartum anxiety.
Understanding the newborn checkup schedule helped me prepare for each
visit. Here's what happens at each well-baby visit, how to prepare, and why
these checkups are worth the waiting times and co-pays.
Regular checkups are one aspect of maintaining newborn health—explore our complete newborn health guide for all care
aspects.
Why Regular Checkups Matter
Monitoring Growth and Development
Well-baby visits track your baby's growth and development over time.
Doctors measure weight, length, and head size at every visit. They plot these
numbers on growth charts to make sure the baby is growing well. Between visits, understanding
growth patterns helps you know if the baby is thriving.
Preventive Care
These visits aren't just for sick babies. They're about stopping problems
before they start. Doctors give vaccines, check for issues early, and tell you
what's coming next.
Building a Relationship with a Pediatrician
These regular visits are why finding the right pediatrician is so
important—you'll see them often. You build trust. Your doctor gets to know your
baby. When something worries you, you have someone to call.
Catching Issues Early
Regular checkups catch problems early when they're easier to fix. Vision
issues, hearing loss, and developmental delays—early detection helps a lot.
The Newborn Checkup Schedule
Following the newborn checkup schedule means your baby gets the
right care at the right time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
these visits in the first year:
First Visit - 3-5 days after birth
1 Month - Around 4 weeks
2 Months - Around 8 weeks
4 Months - Around 16 weeks
6 Months - Around 24 weeks
9 Months - Around 36 weeks
12 Months - Around 1 year
Babies with special needs—born early, medical issues, feeding or weight
concerns—may need more visits.
What Happens at Each Visit
Measurements (Weight, Length, Head Size)
At every visit, the nurse measures:
- Weight - How much the baby
weighs
- Length - How long the baby
is from head to toe
- Head size - Size around
the largest part of the baby's head
These numbers go on growth charts. The pattern matters more than any
single number.
Physical Exam
The doctor checks the baby from head to toe:
- Heart and
lungs - Listens with a stethoscope
- Eyes - Checks eye
movement
- Ears - Look inside
for infection
- Mouth - Checks inside the mouth
- Belly - Feels for
problems
- Hips: Checks hip
joints
- Private parts - Make sure
everything looks normal
- Skin - Look for
rashes or yellow colour
- Reflexes - Test the baby's reflexes
Developmental Screening
Doctors check expected milestones by age at each visit using
special checklists. This isn't just watching baby play. Doctors use specific
tools to screen for delays.
Vaccinations
Learn more about vaccination schedule details, including which
vaccines are given when and what to expect. Vaccines usually happen at 2, 4,
and 6 months. Some babies get Hepatitis B at birth or 1 month.
Parent Questions and Concerns
A big part of every visit is answering your questions. Sleep, feeding,
crying, development—bring your list. No question is too small.
The First Visit (3-5 Days)
This visit happens within days after you leave the hospital. It's significant.
Weight Check (Getting Back to Birth Weight)
Babies lose weight after birth—up to 10% is normal. By this visit, most
babies are gaining it back. If the baby loses too much or isn't gaining well, the doctor
helps with feeding right away.
Jaundice Check
At the first visit, doctors check jaundice monitoring, especially
if the baby was yellow at discharge. Yellow skin or eyes get tested right away.
Feeding Check
Doctor asks detailed feeding questions:
- How often baby
eats
- How long does feeding take
- Breastfeeding
concerns
- Formula type
and amount
- Diaper output
Umbilical Cord Check
Doctor checks that the umbilical cord stump is healing normally—no infection,
no bleeding, drying well.
Newborn Screening Follow-up
The first visit follows up on hospital discharge screening, like
hearing tests and blood tests. If any tests were abnormal or needed repeating, the doctor talks about the next steps.
1 Month Checkup
Growth Check
The doctor checks the weight, length, and head size. Most babies have gained 1-2
pounds by now. If not, the doctor investigates the feeding.
Vision and Hearing
The doctor checks that the baby tracks faces and objects with eyes. Asks if baby
startles to loud sounds and calms to familiar voices.
First Developmental Milestone Check
Doctor watches -
- Does the baby lift their head briefly during tummy time?
- Are baby
reflexes still there?
- Does the baby make
eye contact?
- Does the baby
respond to voices?
Feeding Questions
How's feeding going? Any pain during breastfeeding? Is the baby happy after
eating? How many diapers daily?
Sleep Talk
Where does baby sleep? On back? Any concerns about sleep safety? How long
between night feedings?
2 Month Checkup on the Newborn Checkup Schedule
First Shots
This is usually the first "shot visit." Babies usually get:
- DTaP (protects
against three diseases)
- IPV (polio
shot)
- Hib (protects
against serious infection)
- PCV (protects
against pneumonia)
- Rotavirus (oral
vaccine, not a shot)
- Sometimes, Hepatitis B, if not given earlier
Social Smile Check
Has the baby smiled at you yet? Most babies smile by 6-8 weeks. If not, the doctor checks further.
Head Control Check
The doctor checks if the baby can:
- Hold head up
during tummy time
- Keep head
steady when upright
- Follow objects
with eyes
What to Expect After Vaccines
Doctor explains vaccine side effects: fussiness, low-grade fever, sore
spot where the shot was given. When to call if worried.
4 Month Checkup
More Vaccines
The second round of most vaccines is given at 2 months.
Development Check
Can baby:
- Push up on
forearms during tummy time?
- Bring your hands
together?
- Reach for toys?
- Babble and coo?
- Laugh?
Feeding Changes Talk
Talk about signs baby is ready for solid foods (usually around 6 months).
Discuss only breast milk or formula until then.
Sleep Patterns
By 4 months, many babies sleep longer at night. The doctor talks about sleep
safety and patterns.
6 Month Checkup (and Beyond)
Third Vaccine Round
Third round of vaccines. Also often flu vaccine if during flu season.
Sitting Check
Can the baby sit with support? Starting to sit alone? Rolling over?
Solid Foods
Many babies start solid foods around 6 months. The doctor talks about when
and how to start foods.
Stranger Anxiety
Some babies develop stranger anxiety around this age. The doctor explains
this is normal development.
Preparing for Checkups on Your Newborn Checkup Schedule
Questions to Write Down
Before each visit, write down questions. You'll forget them otherwise.
Common questions -
- Sleep concerns
- Feeding issues
- Poop color or
how often
- Skin rashes
- Development
worries
- When to start
new foods
Tracking Between Visits
Keep notes on -
- Sleep patterns
- Feeding
frequency and amounts
- Diaper output
- New skills or
milestones
- Any concerns
Bringing a Support Person
Bring your partner, mom, or friend if you can. They can -
- Hold baby
during the exam
- Remember, the information you forget
- Ask questions
you don't think of
- Comfort the baby
during shots
What to Bring
- Insurance card
- Vaccination
record
- List of
questions
- Bottle or
pacifier
- Extra diaper
and wipes
- Burp cloth
- Baby carrier
(easier than car seat in office)
Growth Charts and Percentiles
Understanding Percentiles
Percentiles compare your baby to other babies the same age. If baby is in
the 40th percentile for weight, that means 40% of babies weigh less and 60%
weigh more.
Important - Any percentile is fine. What matters is baby stays on their own curve.
WHO vs. CDC Charts
Different charts exist:
- WHO charts - Based on
breastfed babies
- CDC charts - Based on all
babies
Many pediatricians use WHO charts for young babies.
What Matters Most (Growth Curve)
Baby staying on their own growth curve matters more than which percentile
they're in. A baby in the 10th percentile who stays there is fine. A baby who
drops from the 75th to the 25th percentile needs checking.
When Percentiles Are Concerning
See your doctor if baby -
- Drops a lot
across percentiles
- Isn't gaining
weight
- Falls below 5th
percentile or above 95th
- Head size grows
too fast or too slow
Making the Most of Appointments
Speaking Up for Your Baby
If you have serious concerns and the doctor dismisses them, speak up:
- "I'd like
to talk about this more."
- "I'm still
worried. What else could we check?"
- "I'd like
a referral to check this out."
You know your baby best. Don't let concerns be brushed off.
Getting Simple Answers
If you don't understand something:
- Ask the doctor to
explain differently
- Ask the doctor to
write it down
- Ask for
handouts or websites
- Don't leave
confused
Follow-Up Planning
Before leaving, make sure you know -
- When next
appointment is
- What to watch
for
- When to call
with concerns
- Any test
results pending
Insurance and Cost
Well-Baby Visits Are Covered
Insurance covers well-baby visits separately from sick visits. You
shouldn't pay for preventive care.
Vaccine Coverage
Vaccines are covered by insurance. If you don't have insurance, the Vaccines
for Children (VFC) program gives free vaccines.
Sick and Well Same Day
If the baby is sick on well-visit day, call the office. They often can handle
both. Insurance may charge for the sick visit part.
Between Visits
When to Call a Doctor
You don't have to wait for the newborn checkup schedule
appointments to contact your doctor. Call anytime you're worried about:
- Fever
- Poor feeding
- Extreme
fussiness
- Development
concerns
- Anything that
worries you
Emergency vs. Urgent vs. Routine
Emergency (911/ER) - Trouble breathing, seizures, won't wake up, severe
injury
Urgent (call doctor right away) - High fever in young baby, refusing to
eat, severe pain, dehydration signs
Routine (call during office hours) - Minor rashes, feeding questions,
development questions
Special Considerations for the Newborn Checkup Schedule
Premature Babies
Premature babies may have a different newborn checkup schedule
timing. They need closer monitoring and may have extra appointments.
Babies with Medical Conditions
Babies with heart problems, genetic conditions, or other medical issues
need more frequent checkups beyond the standard schedule.
Multiple Births
If you have twins or triplets, ask if they can be scheduled together or
separately. Some parents prefer separate appointments to focus on each baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I bring to checkups?
A: Insurance card, vaccination record, list of questions, something to
occupy the baby (bottle or pacifier), extra diaper, and a support person if you can.
Wear the baby in a carrier for easier undressing.
Q: How long do appointments usually take?
A: Plan for 30-45 minutes for well visits, though you may wait longer.
Bring feeding supplies and patience.
Q: Will my baby get shots at every visit?
A: Not every visit, but the 2, 4, and 6-month visits include multiple
vaccines. Your doctor will give you a schedule and explain each vaccine.
Q: What if my baby is sick on the day of a well visit?
A: Call the office—they may have you come anyway (sick visits can happen at the same time) or reschedule. Vaccines may be delayed if the baby has a fever.
Q: Can I refuse vaccines?
A: Legally, yes, in most states, but doctors strongly recommend following
the CDC schedule. Have an honest conversation about concerns rather than just
refusing.
Tracking Your Baby's Care
Vaccination Record
Keep a written record of all vaccines. You'll need this for:
- Daycare enrollment
- School enrollment
- Travel
- Future medical care
Growth Tracking
Many parents like plotting weight and length at home between visits. This helps you see the growth pattern.
Milestone Notes
Writing down when the baby reaches milestones helps you remember and gives good info for doctor visits.
Wondering what vaccines your baby will receive? Read our comprehensive
guide to newborn vaccinations, including schedules and safety information.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not
a substitute for professional medical advice. Follow your pediatrician's
recommended schedule for checkups.
Reference
American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Well-Child-Care-A-Check-Up-for-Success.aspx
2. NHS.UK -Your baby's health and development reviews
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/height-weight-and-reviews/baby-reviews/
