Your Baby’s First Checkups: What to Expect and Why They Matter

Welcoming a new baby into your family can be both joyous and overwhelming. Parents and caregivers are often juggling careers, household demands, and constant streams of advice from friends and social media. 

Routine newborn checkups anchor your child’s first year with structure and reassurance. These visits — guided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) well‑child visit schedule — are more than medical appointments. They are opportunities to build a partnership with your pediatrician, track your baby’s development, and lay the foundation for a healthy future.

Giving your child a healthy start goes beyond routine visits. The right pediatrician will partner with you for personalized care tailored to your family. As pediatrician Melissa Knisley, MD, says, “I tell them that the door is open, and we can touch base about any new parent questions and concerns as often as they need — especially in those first few days and weeks.”

Below you’ll find an easy‑to‑follow overview of the typical newborn checkup schedule, what happens at each visit, and why they matter.

The AAP well‑child visit schedule

The AAP’s preventive care guidelines outline recommended visits and screenings from infancy through adolescence. During infancy, checkups are more frequent because babies change rapidly and need timely vaccinations. 

The AAP well-child visit schedule lists visits at newborn (3–5 days after birth), one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, 12 months and on. Each visit focuses on:

• How your baby is growing and developing
• Introducing vaccines at the right times for your child’s immune system
• Catching potential issues early
• Supporting parents

3–5 days after discharge: your baby’s first office visit

Most healthy, full‑term babies go home within a couple of days. Your first pediatrician visit is usually when your baby is 3–5 days old. Your clinician will confirm details about the pregnancy and delivery, review hospital records and establish a baseline of health for your baby. Here’s what you can expect during this visit:

• Hepatitis B vaccination: Babies who didn’t get their first Hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital should receive it at this appointment. The Hepatitis B series is three doses given at birth, 1–2 months and 6–18 months.

• Screenings: Pediatricians review results of newborn hearing and blood tests. If there were concerns in the hospital, they may repeat or schedule follow‑ups.

• Growth and feeding check: Weight and head circumference are measured, and families are asked about their baby’s feeding, peeing and pooping.

• Feeding support: Whether your baby is breastfed or formula‑fed, your pediatrician will check that your baby is getting enough to eat. They can also connect you with support for feeding, such as a lactation consultant.

Questions and concerns: Newborns make strange noises and display reflexes like the startle or “Moro” reflex. “There’s a huge variation of what’s normal,” says Dr. Knisley. She also reassures parents that it’s normal for newborns to get some rashes that look alarming but are harmless. She encourages parents to take videos of unusual sounds or photos of rashes to show at the visit.

Why this visit matters

Early checkups can catch issues early and prevent problems from escalating. Jaundice, feeding difficulties and dehydration can develop quickly in newborns. Addressing these issues quickly supports your baby’s health. This first visit also begins the relationship with your child’s pediatrician, who can become a trusted ally in your parenting journey.

Two weeks: monitoring growth and feeding

The second visit usually takes place at around two weeks. This appointment focuses on weight gain and feeding. “We expect babies to lose weight initially and gain it back by about two weeks of age, sometimes sooner,” says Dr. Knisley.

If your baby hasn’t gotten back up to their birth weight by two weeks, your pediatrician might weigh them before and after a feeding to assess how much they’re eating.

Parents often worry about bowel movements, but there is a wide range of what’s normal. Most shades of yellow, green or brown are fine. If your baby’s stools are red, black or chalk white, tell your pediatrician. Babies might poop every feeding or only once a week; growth and behavior are better indicators of health at this age.

You might also discuss feeding emotions. Families often feel stress and guilt about breastfeeding versus formula. Dr. Knisley reminds parents that a fed baby is a happy baby. “It’s about working together to find the right feeding structure that works for parent and baby in a way that helps them grow while meeting the goals of the family.” 

She may refer families to lactation consultants and reassure them that tongue‑tie concerns require an in‑office exam — seeing the frenulum under the tongue doesn’t mean there’s a problem.

One month: settling into routines

By one month, parents and babies are adjusting to new rhythms. During the one‑month checkup, the pediatrician continues to monitor growth and development. The second dose of Hepatitis B can be given at this visit or at two months. Typical topics include:

• Feeding and crying: Talk about how feeding is going and whether you can interpret your baby’s different cries.
• Dirty diapers: Discussion about the number of wet diapers and stools helps assess hydration.
• Safe sleep: Parents receive reminders to always place babies on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Mental health: Pediatricians check how parents are coping; postpartum anxiety or depression is common and treatable.

Dr. Knisley encourages families to bring a list of questions — typed on a phone or scribbled on paper at 3 a.m. — because sleep deprivation makes it hard to remember them later.

Two months: first big round of shots

The two‑month visit is famous for vaccines, per the vaccination schedule. These immunizations give your baby’s developing immune system a major boost when it needs it most. 

Most babies receive seven or eight vaccines at this appointment:

• Hepatitis B (second dose)
• Rotavirus (oral vaccine to prevent severe diarrhea)
• Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
• Inactivated polio (IPV)

Some parents worry about the number of shots, but they’ve been carefully studied and proven to work best according to this schedule. However, never hesitate to ask your pediatrician questions about vaccines. They’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest research so your child has the best protection against serious illnesses. 

Other highlights of the two‑month visit include:

• Postpartum depression screening: Pediatricians ask caregivers about mood and mental health.
• Developmental surveillance: Doctors observe head control, eye alignment and early social smiles, and they ask about tummy time.
• Safety checks: There is discussion about preventing falls — never leave a baby unattended on a bed or couch — and using rear‑facing car seats.

Dr. Knisley adds that around one to two months, babies may experience infant dyschezia — they look constipated and strain when learning to coordinate muscles for bowel movements. Parents often worry, but it’s a normal developmental phase.

Four months: second doses and early milestones

At four months, your baby is more interactive — cooing, laughing and maybe rolling. The four‑month checkup provides the second doses of many vaccines: Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV and IPV. Postpartum depression screening continues, and if your baby was preterm or low birth weight, the doctor may check hemoglobin levels for anemia. Other topics:

• Feeding: Many breastfed infants receive an iron supplement until iron‑rich solids begin.
• Developmental questions: Parents often ask when to start solid foods and how to know if physical development is on track.
• Reading and play: It’s never too early to read; shared reading fosters language and connection.
• Safety: Advice includes safe sleep, car seats, and water heater temperature (keep it below 120 °F/49 °C).

Six months: halfway to toddlerhood

The six‑month visit is packed with transitions. By now most babies have doubled their birth weight. It’s time for the third doses of the vaccines given at two and four months — Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV and IPV — plus the Hepatitis B third dose. The CDC and AAP also recommend the influenza vaccine for all children 6 months and older.

Other highlights:

• Dental health: Pediatricians may apply fluoride varnish after a baby’s first tooth erupts.
• Postpartum support: Mental health check‑ins continue.
• Development: Parents are asked about sitting up, rolling over and introducing solid foods. Dr. Knisley reminds families that it may take many repeated exposures for a baby to like a new food, so patience is key for healthy eating habits.
• Safety: Childproofing becomes essential. Families discuss choking hazards, home safety and RSV/bronchiolitis prevention.

Nine months: mobility and screening

Around nine months, babies are on the move — crawling, pulling up and exploring. Here’s what to expect during the nine‑month visit:

• Vaccines: Babies may receive the final Hepatitis B dose. Influenza vaccination continues if it’s flu season.
• Developmental screening: Pediatricians perform more formal tests of motor and social skills and may observe play to check for developmental delays. Babies with risk factors (preterm birth, low birth weight or siblings with autism) may need more frequent screening.
• Dental check: Fluoride varnish may be reapplied.
• Feeding and mobility: Questions cover pulling to stand, quitting the bottle and daily meal structure. Dr. Knisley notes that taste preferences begin settling, so it’s important to offer diverse flavors.
• Safety: As furniture climbing begins, be sure to anchor TVs and heavy furniture, and discuss gating stairs.

Twelve months: first birthday checkup

The 12‑month visit celebrates your baby’s first year and transition toward toddlerhood. Your child may receive MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Hepatitis A, and Varicella vaccines. Booster doses of earlier vaccines may also be given, and the flu shot is recommended if in season. The checkup includes:

• Anemia and lead screening: The AAP recommends checking hemoglobin/hematocrit and lead levels, especially if risk factors exist.
• Growth and milestones: Your doctor measures height, weight and head circumference and asks whether your baby stands or takes steps. They also discuss self‑feeding and transitioning from formula to whole milk.
• Behavioral coaching: Parents may ask about tantrums and time‑outs. Sleep routines and encouraging new foods are common topics.
• Safety: The pediatrician reviews home safety (stair guards, window guards, crib mattress height), sunscreen use and drowning prevention.

Fifteen months: transitioning to toddler care

By fifteen months, you likely now have a toddler running circles around you. The 15‑month checkup continues to build on the first year:

• Vaccinations: Depending on what your child received earlier, they may get DTaP, Hib, PCV (Prevnar), MMR or Varicella boosters, along with additional Hep B, IPV or Hep A doses. The flu vaccine is advised if it’s flu season.
• Screenings: Doctors may recheck hemoglobin and apply fluoride varnish to new teeth. Vision, hearing and blood pressure screenings are performed as needed.
• Development: Expect questions about drinking from a cup, following simple commands, and using at least three words besides “Mama” and “Dada.” Walking, squatting and coordination are assessed.
• Safety: Pediatricians discuss securing furniture, smoke detectors, stair gates and toddler proofing.
• Behavior and parenting: Dr. Knisley reminds families to let toddlers make simple choices to reduce power struggles — like choosing between two books — encouraging independence while staying within safe boundaries.

How parents can prepare and partner with their pediatrician

1. Track key information, but don’t stress over apps

Dr. Knisley sees some families carefully logging every diaper and feeding, while others find that level of detail anxiety‑provoking. Apps can be useful if your pediatrician has concerns about weight gain or feeding, but parents shouldn’t feel obligated to track forever. Jot down observations or questions as they occur so you can discuss them at your appointment.

2. Bring paperwork and ask questions.

Bring hospital discharge summaries, vaccine records and any specialist notes to each visit. Write down your top three to five questions and ask them at the start of the visit. Whether you wonder about bowel movements, rashes, infant noises or your own mood, your pediatrician is there to listen.

3. Be honest about mental health.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are common. Screening questionnaires help catch these conditions early. Dr. Knisley emphasizes that there is nothing wrong with seeking help: “Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby.”

4. Stay on top of vaccinations.

The vaccination schedule for infants and toddlers is carefully designed to offer them the most protection. Staying on schedule protects not only your baby but also vulnerable family members and community members. Delaying vaccines increases the risk of your baby getting preventable diseases — and long-term complications that can come with them.

5. Use reputable sources.

The internet is full of conflicting advice. Stick with reliable resources like HealthyChildren.org (by the AAP) and your pediatrician. Dr. Knisley reminds parents not to compare themselves to others on social media. Every baby is unique, and what works for one family may not be right for another.

Check-ups for a strong start

The first year of your baby’s life is a whirlwind of changes, with frequent well‑child visits to match. While it may feel like yet another commitment on your calendar, these checkups are essential touchpoints for monitoring growth, receiving vaccines, addressing feeding and sleep concerns, and getting support for your own wellbeing. Consider each visit an investment in your child’s future health and a chance to ask questions and build trust with your pediatrician.

As Dr. Knisley puts it, “there’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach; every baby and family is unique.” Find a pediatrician who will give your baby the best start in life with personalized advice for their unique needs.