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For someone
who has just
arrived in the world, your baby
has a busy social calendar—to see
the doctor, that is. In fact, your
baby may see the doctor 10 or
more times during his or her first
two years.
“Well-baby checkups help us
ensure infants are thriving and
staying healthy,” says Emily
Peterson, DO, FAAP, a pediatrician
at Dignity Health Medical Group.
Head-to-toe exams
Your baby’s first checkup takes place
in the hospital soon after delivery.
Doctors and nurses will give your
baby a thorough physical, just to
make sure everything is OK. The
doctor can tell you when he or she
needs to see your newborn in the
days to come.
After these earliest visits, the
American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends checkups:
●
●
During the first year
at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and
12 months.
●
●
During the second
year at 15, 18, and
24 months.
●
●
At 30 months and annually
starting at age 3.
At visits, the doctor will likely:
●
●
Measure growth by checking your
baby’s weight, length, and head
circumference.
●
●
Check your baby’s heart, lungs,
eyes, ears, and mouth.
●
●
Ask about your baby’s routines,
such as eating, digestion, and
sleep patterns.
You will also have a chance to ask
questions at each appointment—
new parents generally have many of
these. “Doctors realize this is all
new for you, so feel free to speak
up,” Dr. Peterson says.
Looking good, baby!
Checkups can help keep little ones healthy
Vital protection
Immunizations are vital to
helping your child stay safe
from some serious diseases.
During baby’s first two years,
vaccines that are given include
those for:
●
●
Diphtheria, tetanus and
pertussis (DTaP).
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●
Haemophilus influenzae
type b (Hib).
●
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Hepatitis A and B.
●
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Influenza (flu).
●
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Measles, mumps and rubella
(MMR).
●
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Pneumococcal diseases.
●
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Polio.
●
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Rotavirus.
●
●
Varicella (chickenpox).
We’ll be there!
Be sure your baby sees
the doctor as needed. Keeping your
checkup appointments is one of the
most important things you can do as
a parent. Looking for a pediatrician?
Call our physician referral service
at
702.616.4900
.
Reach
|
Spring 2017
15
Emily
Peterson,
DO, FAAP