3 to 5 days old
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! For many parents, the first visit to the pediatrician is also their newborn’s first trip away from home. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with what questions to ask, what paperwork to remember, and what to expect at your baby’s first checkup.
What to bring
Hospital paperwork—including information about your baby’s discharge weight or complications during pregnancy or birth.
Immunizations
Your baby will receive the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine if they did not receive it in the hospital. (The AAP recommends newborns receive their first dose of vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth.)
Screenings
Happy Heart Pediatrics will review the results of two screenings that all babies receive in the hospital for hearing and blood. Based on the results, we may rescreen or recommend a referral to a specialist.
Development & feeding
Dr. Riebel will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
1 month old
Can you believe your baby is already one month old? In addition to checking on your baby’s developmental milestones, Happy Heart Pediatrics will also address what may feel like a million issues and questions. The list below are just some of the topics you may talk about at this visit.
Get the most out of your time with one of our providers and make a list of your questions ahead of time.
Immunizations
Your baby may receive a second dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine at either the one-month or two-month checkup.
Screenings
This is a great time to talk with Happy Heart Pediatrics about how things are going at home with your new baby. We may ask about how well baby is eating, if you have enough food, and feel safe and comfortable.
Our provider might also ask how you are feeling. If you are feeling anxious or sad, or anything else, you are not alone and we are ready to help.
Development & feeding
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
2 months old
Can you believe it? Your baby is almost 2 months old and its time for another visit to Happy Heart Pediatrics. This appointment may cause some tears, so have your tissues ready. In addition to the usual physical exam, your baby may also get a few shots this time.
Immunizations
During two-month checkups, most babies will be immunized against seven or eight different diseases. Typical immunizations given during your child’s 2-month checkup include:
Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)
Rotavirus vaccine
Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine f
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
It may have you thinking, “Is it really safe to give my baby that many shots at once?” The answer is yes. And luckily, we can combine some shots so there’s less pricking and hopefully less crying.
Get the most out of your time with your pediatrician and make a list of your questions ahead of time.
Screenings
Maternal depression: Our provider will ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with us..
Feeding & development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
4 Months Old
Your baby is getting bigger! And at four months, it’s time for another appointment. Expect the standard procedures this time—measurements, developmental, psychosocial and behavioral observations, and a physical exam. Here some things to plan for at this visit:
Immunizations
At the 4-month visit, your baby may receive the second doses of the following vaccines .
Rotavirus vaccine
Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
Screenings
Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening: Your baby may receive this blood screening that helps detect anemia. We may ask you if your baby is drinking anything other than breast milk or iron-fortified formula, as it is a risk factor for developing anemia.
Maternal depression: We may also ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.
Feeding & development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
6 Months Old
Happy half-birthday to your beautiful baby! By 6 months, most babies have doubled their birth weights. Your 6-month checkup will cover a lot, so get your questions ready!
Immunizations
At the 6-month visit, your baby may receive the third doses of the following vaccines .
Rotavirus vaccine
Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib)
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) for children 6 months of age and older as soon as it becomes available.
Screenings
Dental health check: our pediatrician may apply fluoride varnish after your baby’s first tooth appears. Most babies begin to cut teeth around 6 months of age.
Maternal depression: our pediatrician will ask you how you are feeling. If you are having postpartum issues with breastfeeding, anxiety, or sadness, or anything else, please feel free to discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician.
Feeding & development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
9 Months Old
9 months…you’re becoming a pro at this! Your baby may be sitting up on their own and getting ready to crawl. Your doctor can guide you through what to expect as they become more active and mobile. Here’s what else you can expect at this checkup:
Immunizations
At the 9-month visit, your baby may receive the final dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) and/or the third dose of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) if they did not get those at the last checkup.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) for children 6 months of age and older as soon as it becomes available.
Screenings
Developmental screening: This may be a more formal developmental test than your baby had at past appointments. Our pediatrician will ask you a series of questions about your baby’s growth and behavior and may ask you to play with your baby during the screening to observe. The results will show whether your baby is developing at a normal rate or further testing for developmental delays are needed. If your baby is at a greater risk for developmental problems because of preterm birth or low birth weight or has a sibling who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they may receive these screenings more frequently.
Dental check: Our provider may apply fluoride varnish after your baby’s first tooth appears.
Feeding & development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track, observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
12 Months Old
Happy first birthday to your baby! That little bundle you first held is now a budding toddler, soon to take their first steps (if they haven’t already). Be sure to share all your proud-parent moments with our medical team. Here’s what you can expect at the 12-month checkup:
Immunizations
At the 12-month visit, your baby may receive vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A, and Varicella (chickenpox). They may also be due for a booster shot for earlier vaccines. If it’s flu season, Happy Heart Pediatrics will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine.
Screenings
Our provider will check your child for anemia at this visit. Based on your child’s risk, they may also test blood lead level, hearing, vision, and blood pressure. If your child may have been exposed to tuberculosis, they can do a skin test.
Feeding & development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also observe their development and behavior, and perform a physical exam.
15 Months Old
You now have a full-fledged toddler to keep up with! Those first tentative steps have likely given way to determined dashes to explore everything around them. This is a great time to talk with us about creating a safe and structured environment that also allows your fearless explorer freedom to learn from their surroundings.
As usual, Happy Heart Pediatrics will also perform a physical exam and check your child’s progress toward important milestones. Here’s what else you can expect at the 15-month checkup:
Immunizations
Depending on which vaccines your child got at the 6-and 12-month visits, they may be due for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Hib (haemophilus influenzae type B), PCV 13 (pneumococcal disease), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), or Varicella (chickenpox). They can also get Hep B (hepatitis B), inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and HepA (hepatitis A) doses now or at a later visit. If it’s flu season, our provider will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine.
Screenings
Happy Heart Pediatrics may check your child for anemia at this visit. Based on certain risk factors, we may also test blood pressure, hearing and vision. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, our pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.
Feeding & Development
Our pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also observe their development and behavior and perform a physical exam.
18 Months Old
At a year-and-a-half old, your toddler is excited to be learning more skills. Having mastered walking, they may now be climbing onto chairs and other short pieces of furniture without help. You may find them beaming and clapping for themselves after these impressive feats, looking to you for praise.
Your 18-month-old may insist on going wherever they want one moment, then cling to you the next. They do this to remind themselves of their secure emotional base, which gives them the confidence to explore. Extra patience and a sense of humor can help you with the tough task of setting limits and then regularly reinforcing them.
At the 18-month wellness visit, the our pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and check your child’s progress toward important milestones. Here’s what else you can expect at this checkup:
Immunizations
Depending on vaccines your child received at their previous visits, they may be due for a dose of HepA (hepatitis A), for example, or DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis). If it’s flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza (flu) vaccine. See “Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6.”
Screenings
Based on your child’s risk factors or any symptoms or concerns, our provider may screen and recommend tests for anemia, lead poisoning, blood pressure, hearing or vision problems. They will also screen for autism spectrum disorder. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, our pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.
Behavior & Development
Happy Heart Pediatrics will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also observe their development and behavior and perform a physical exam.
