During your baby’s four-month check-up, the pediatrician will conduct a routine physical examination, similar to the one from your previous visit. Your little one will be weighed and measured, and the doctor will review her growth on the chart. This growth will be expressed in percentiles, but don’t worry if the numbers seem off from what you expected. The charts are just a tool to track growth, and as long as the progress is consistent between visits, you’re doing great.
After the physical exam (or sometimes during it), your pediatrician will inquire about your baby’s sleeping and feeding patterns, including how many wet and dirty diapers she has daily. You’ll also discuss your baby’s bowel movements, focusing on their quantity, color, and consistency. Expect to talk about a variety of topics including her crying patterns, potential oral thrush, teething, diaper rash, starting solids, reflux, sleeping positions, and the significance of tummy time. Additionally, the doctor may address concerns like constipation, what steps to take if your baby catches a cold, the sounds she makes, and how her motor skills are progressing.
At this point, your pediatrician will welcome any questions or concerns you might have and will outline what to expect from your baby in the coming weeks, addressing any queries you may have regarding that as well.
Immunizations
Your baby will receive her second dose of the Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), Haemophilus Influenza Type B Conjugate vaccine (Hib), and the Polio vaccine, all combined as before, along with a second round of the Rotavirus vaccine (RV), which is administered orally. Typically, the nurse will give the shots toward the end of the visit.
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In summary, the four-month check-up is a vital opportunity to monitor your baby’s growth, address any health concerns, and ensure you are well-informed about her development.