_parenting   babies

Baby's First Check Up

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

30 Mar 2009 11:15 AM

baby Your baby will get his or her first official check up within 24-hours of birth. Generally this takes place while you are still in the hospital (if you had a hospital birth). If you are up to it, you can ask to be present, and it will be interesting to learn all about your baby's tiny body.

What occurs at this check up and what is your baby's doctor observing?

General Health

Your doctor will first assess your baby's general health. Was your baby full term or pre-term? Does your baby have good muscle tone and can lay in the "frog" position? Is your baby alert and active or lethargic? Is your baby pink and breathing normally?

Head

Does your baby have a normal shape to the head? When first born, a baby's head may be slightly cone shaped from passing through the birth canal. Are the soft spots (fontanels) soft and flat with no bulges? What is the size of your baby's head and is the circumference in proportion to your baby's height and weight?

Eyes

Does your baby have eyes of normal size? Are there any internal eye problems or cataracts in your baby's eyes? Typically, there may be a few ruptured blood vessels in your baby's eyes, due to the birth process. These will clear up in a few weeks. If your baby's eyes are too puffy for a good look, your baby's doctor may need to wait a few days for a more thorough examination.

Nose and Mouth

Your baby's doctor will examine your baby's nose to make sure that the nasal passages are wide enough to allow good air flow and that there are no obstructions in the nose that might interfere with breathing.

We aren't done with baby's first exam just yet. Check back for the next post!

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

When Should My Child Have His First Dental Visit?

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Probiotics and the Rotavirus

 
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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans
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Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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User Comments

nancy_jones (145) 14 May 2009 10:59 AM

New born baby faces eye problem like matting or green discharge due to irritation from the ointment applied after birth or by Blocked Tear Duct. Can anyone give any idea what is the necessary steps to be taken?

http://askblogster.com/eye-problem/

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