Your cart is currently empty!
Your Baby’s Twelve-Month Check-Up
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! At your baby’s twelve-month check-up, the pediatrician will conduct a comprehensive physical exam similar to previous visits. This will include measuring your baby’s weight and height, and reviewing their growth progress on the growth chart. By this stage, both you and your baby are becoming quite familiar with these routine check-ups.
What to Expect During the Visit
During the exam, the pediatrician will likely inquire about your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns, and check their oral health. Expect discussions around your baby’s vocabulary, behavior, and the significance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Additionally, as your little one becomes more mobile and curious, the doctor will offer advice on child-proofing your home.
You may also cover topics such as the types of solid foods your baby is currently enjoying, what new foods are suitable at this age, and strategies to encourage walking. The pediatrician might assess your baby’s behavior in more detail, possibly asking you to interact with them to observe their reactions. This is a standard practice to screen for any developmental delays.
Immunizations
Immunizations are a key part of this visit. Your baby may receive several vaccinations, assuming you’re not following a delayed vaccination schedule. This will usually include the final dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, as well as the third or fourth dose of the Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) vaccine, the fourth dose of the Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV), and the third dose of the Polio vaccine (IPV) if it hasn’t been administered yet.
Moreover, your baby will likely receive the first dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, the Varicella vaccine, and one dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine, which is given between now and 23 months. While this may seem overwhelming, rest assured that if any of these can be combined into fewer injections, they will be. Alternatively, you can discuss with your pediatrician the possibility of postponing some vaccinations until the next appointment if your baby is catching up on earlier shots.
Addressing Your Concerns
After the examination and vaccinations, your pediatrician will address any questions or concerns you may have. They will also provide insights into what developmental milestones to expect in the coming month.
For more information on the journey of pregnancy and home insemination, check out other articles on our blog, including insights on artificial insemination kits from trusted sources like Make a Mom and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, your baby’s twelve-month check-up is an important opportunity to assess growth, discuss developmental milestones, and ensure that vaccinations are up to date. Stay informed and proactive about your baby’s health and development during this exciting time.