1 MONTH OLD : WEEK 4 - Doctor visit worksheet: The 4-month checkup

THE DOCTOR WILL...

• weigh and measure your baby to make sure she's growing at a healthy, steady rate.
• measure your baby's head size to make note of her brain growth.
• give your baby her second big round of immunizations (she'll probably get vaccines for DTaP, Hib, polio, and may get a hepatitis B vaccine).
• address any health concerns that he notices (constipation, colds, and the flu are common in babies this age).
• answer any questions you have about childcare and transitions.
• give some insight into your baby's development, temperament, and behavior.
• look at your baby's eyesight.
• look at your baby's hearing.
• identify ways of setting up a bedtime routine that will help you and your baby get more sleep.

QUESTIONS THE DOCTOR MAY ASK

Read this worksheet all the way through — it links to more detailed information. Then click here to print a clean worksheet you can fill out and take to your doctor.

1. How is your baby sleeping? (Your baby's sleep patterns probably haven't changed that much over the past couple of months, though she may be shifting even more of her sleep time to night rather than naps.)

2. When, how, and how often is your baby eating? (Some babies aren't ready for solids quite yet — 4 to 6 months is the recommended time — but it can't hurt to talk to the doctor about it now. Ask him how and when you should begin, and whether your baby needs any extra vitamins.)

3. What are your baby's bowel movements like? (Soft feces are best, color can vary. If your baby has ever frequently passed smelly, watery, mucus-streaked stools, it's probably diarrhea. Ask the doctor about the best way to treat it.)

4. Can your baby roll over one way or sit with support? (Both of these are skills that your baby will begin to develop around now, though she probably won't be able to roll over both ways or sit without support until she's about 6 months old.)

5. Can your baby do a mini-pushup? (This skill is typical for 4-month-olds and shows that their physical development is on track. If she's still having difficulty controlling or lifting her head, let the doctor know.)

6. What sounds does your baby make? (At this age your baby's language skills may include babbling, squealing, and even laughing. She's probably smiling at you even more now, too, sometimes even before you smile at her, and her mouth is getting quite active — exploring objects, drooling, and blowing bubbles. If your baby is making fewer sounds than she did before, tell the doctor.)

7. How are your baby's motor skills developing? (At this age your baby may reach for and grab things, and she may also be able to bring her hands together in front of her. If she uses one hand more than the other, bring it up with the pediatrician. At this age she should also be kicking with both legs and bouncing on them when she's held upright above your lap or the floor; if she holds her legs straight a lot of the time, tell the doctor.)

8. Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby's eyes or the way he looks at things? (Check our eye examinations article to learn how to spot potential problems.)

9. How is your baby's hearing? (If your baby doesn't turn toward sounds, be sure to tell his pediatrician; the sooner potential hearing problems are investigated, the sooner they can be treated.)

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

To find out what parents of 4-month-olds most want to know, and what our experts had to say about those issues, click here.

Posted in: 1 MONTH OLD