Baby Care, Health, Year 2

Routine examination of your toddler: What to expect

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August 18, 2022

Unlike when your child is taken for a visit to the hospital when they are sick, when you take them for a regular visit the checkups and questions will be different. This time you might not know what to ask the doctor since you don’t have specific symptoms listed down on your notes as well. Here is a general idea on what will happen in a routine examination:

Checkup for development:

Your doctor will firstly take all the vital measurements to ensure the physical developments of your baby. The growth measurements such as your baby’s weight, height and head circumference will be taken. 

Screenings and tests

  • The thorough physical check up also consists of a check up for a possible infection in their ears. Your baby will also be tested on the ability to hear various sounds. 
  • The doctor will also use a stethoscope and listen to your baby’s lungs and heart. While assessing the baby physically, your doctor may also assess the baby’s ability to use language by trying to talk and maintain a conversation with them.
  • While making the physical assessment, the doctor will also check the skin condition if any. The doctor will rule out any infection throughout your child’s body.
  • You might also notice that the doctor will press down gently on your baby’s stomach. Don’t worry, the doctor will do it gently. It is done to know if there is any swelling or mass in your baby’s tummy.  
  • Similar to the ear check up, the eye will also be tested for any inconsistency in movements. 
  • Through a screening test done during a routine check up, the doctor will also try to identify autism.
  • The doctor will ask you a general question about the development levels of your baby. They might also do a simple examination for motor skills and language skills. 
  • Based on their assessment of the tests and observations, they might ask for additional tests such as anemia, cholesterol, tuberculosis if they feel that it is necessary for the baby. 

Immunization update

As necessary your doctor will talk to you about the previous immunization schedules and take the updates. If your child requires any new vaccines, the doctor will administer them or recommend any to be taken on a future date. 

Asking questions and concerns

You should feel free to ask your doctor about any concerns that you might be having. Your doctor will be asking many questions to you during the visit. The doctor might ask you questions that concern your past medical history as it might affect the health of your baby as well. 

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