Recommended Well Checks for Babies

0 to 6 Months

• The first well-baby check happens when your newborn is just 3 to 5 days old. You'll also see your pediatrician at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months. Your baby̵7;s height, weight and head circumference are checked at every well-baby visit for the first two years. These measurements help your pediatrician keep track of your baby̵7;s growth. The doctor checks the soft spots of your baby̵7;s head, his ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, hips and legs, and genital area during well-baby checks, according to the MayoClinic.com. At least one vaccine, if not more, is given at almost every visit during the first two years. Your doctor also wants to ensure that your baby is on track developmentally. Though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies receive only formula or breast milk until 6 months of age, your pediatrician may suggest that you offer your baby solid foods somewhere between 4 and 6 months.

9 Months

• At 9 months, talk to your doctor about your baby̵7;s eating and sleeping habits. The AAP recommends continuing breastfeeding or formula until 12 months of age with a combination of solid foods beginning at 6 months. At this age, your baby should still take at least two naps a day. Your pediatrician may suggest wiping your baby̵7;s teeth with a washcloth or toothbrush twice a day with water or fluoride toothpaste once teeth emerge. Developmentally, your pediatrician checks your baby̵7;s mobility, how well she is able to grasp small objects and her verbal communication.

12 Months

• At your 12-month well-baby check, your pediatrician is likely to talk about transitioning your child to whole milk rather than formula or breast milk. Your little one might start using a cup and spoon at this point. Your doctor checks to make sure your baby is on track developmentally, including waving bye-bye, imitating sounds and words, and following simple directions.

15 Months

• At 15 months, expect to talk about your baby̵7;s eating and sleeping again. Five to six small meals a day and healthy snacks are not unusual at this age, according to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Your baby probably sleeps 10 to 12 hours at night and one to three hours during the day. Developmentally, your pediatrician might ask if your little one partially feeds himself, says a few words, can stand alone and walk, can pick up a toy and roll a ball.

18 Months

• At 18 months, in addition to inquiring about your baby̵7;s eating and sleeping, your doctor may have you fill out an M-CHAT or Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. The questionnaire is a series of yes-or-no questions to determine if your child has any early signs of autism. Developmentally, your pediatrician checks that your child̵7;s vocabulary is growing, she can walk up stairs while you hold her hand and can point to some body parts.

24 Months

• At 24 months, your pediatrician checks to make sure your baby is drinking enough milk, eating healthy foods and feeding himself. She may check that he can run, walk up and down stairs, kick a ball, stack blocks, help you dress himself and draw lines and circular shapes. You might talk about potty training your little one and discuss discipline and development through play.