At the 9-month mark, you’ll visit the doctor for your baby’s well-baby check-up. This visit is crucial for tracking your infant’s growth, development, and vaccination status. Here’s what you can expect during this appointment.
Physical Examination
During this visit, the pediatrician will conduct a thorough physical examination of your baby to assess their overall health. A routine finger stick may be performed to check for anemia, although this might be deferred to the one-year visit.
Developmental Milestones
By now, your little one is likely showcasing a range of new skills. The doctor will want to either observe these skills or hear about them from you. Typical milestones at this age include:
- Sitting up independently
- Crawling
- Babbling with sounds that might resemble meaningful words like “Dada” or “Mama”
Vaccination Status
Good news: there are typically no vaccinations during this visit unless your baby needs to catch up on missed doses or receive the annual flu shot.
Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician
Be prepared with questions about your baby’s development, nutrition, and any concerns you may have. This is a great opportunity to clarify uncertainties you might have about your baby’s growth.
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In summary, the 9-month well-baby check-up is an essential milestone for tracking your baby’s health and development. You’ll have a chance to discuss any questions with your doctor, ensuring your little one is on the right path.