When and why does a child need a routine check-up?

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

In order to be sure of the normal development of the child, you need to periodically show it to doctors. Is the baby healthy, does he meet the developmental norms, is everything in order with the tests - you will receive answers to these and other questions after the next visit to the doctor. So you don't miss anything, check out our scheduled check-ups calendar.

First month

So, you and your baby have just returned home and are learning to live together.

Of course, you have many questions: how to handle the navel, how to properly bathe a newborn, does he eat normally and why does he cry so often - what if something is wrong ?!

In the first month, doctors are interested in the general condition of the baby, his basic reflexes, and the healing navel.

All these questions will be answered pediatrician, who should visit you 2-3 days after discharge from the hospital. In the first month, doctors are interested in the general condition of the baby, his basic reflexes, and the healing navel.

In addition, a health visitor will visit you every week for a month. She will also examine the child and patiently answer all questions. So write them down in advance on a piece of paper so you don't forget anything.

Scheduled examination by a pediatrician

When the little one is fulfilled 1 month, you will go to the children's clinic for the first time to see a pediatrician. It is better to do this on a "baby" day - then you won't have to sit in line for a long time.

Take with you a general notebook, in which the child's medical record will be kept, as well as a diaper for examination. The doctor will measure the height, weight, head volume and chest volume of the baby and write down all the indicators.

It is very important to come to routine checkups to the pediatrician every month up to a year … The task of the doctor is to give recommendations on the correct feeding of the baby, vaccinations, strengthening the immune system, etc. In addition, it is possible to timely identify any diseases or deviations from the developmental norms, as well as provide timely assistance.

Specialists

Of course, if necessary, the pediatrician will write you a referral to the right doctor. However, you yourself must know that there are scheduled medical examinations by specialized specialists.

At 3 months the child needs to visit such doctors:

• Orthopedist looks to see if the child has torticollis, hernia, hip dysplasia, as well as the consequences of a difficult birth (such as a broken collarbone). If required, the doctor prescribes a course of gymnastics.
• Neurologist examines the fontanel, assesses the neurological status and reflexes of the baby. The doctor will recommend that the baby be given an ultrasound of the brain through the large fontanelle to rule out possible health problems.
• Oculist will be able to tell if everything is in order with the child's eyesight. The baby's eyes are instilled with special drops that allow you to examine the retina, fundus, and identify possible eye infections. So, as early as 3 months, blindness can be determined.
• Also, it will not be superfluous to show the child cardiologist.
• Boys are encouraged to visit surgeonto exclude phimosis.

Each specialist makes recommendations on the frequency of further visits.

Each specialist gives advice on the frequency of further visits. For example, an orthopedist, in the absence of complaints, will appoint another examination in six months, when the baby learns to stand, and then when he starts to walk.

In 1 year it is advisable for the child to undergo a routine medical examination again with the most important specialists.

After a year appointments with doctors should be made if problems arise. However, a pediatrician must be visited at least once a year. If necessary, he will advise you to take tests and give a referral to specialized specialists such as an orthopedist, surgeon, ophthalmologist, dentist, neurologist, ENT, cardiologist, pediatric gynecologist for girls and urologist for boys.

You will also need a medical examination before going to kindergarten and first grade … During such in-depth medical examinations, the physical development of the child is assessed, the health group and the physical education group are determined.

Due to the craze for computers, modern school workload and a sedentary lifestyle, children are recommended have a vision examination once a year.

In some cases, you may need the help of highly specialized doctors - an allergist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, etc.

Stick to this check-up schedule and keep your little ones healthy!