The first year of your baby’s life is an important one, and it’s crucial to make sure that you take them for regular checkups. During these checkups, your doctor will screen your child for developmental delays and issues, and they will also administer vaccinations to help protect them from diseases. This blog post will discuss the five most essential checkups that you should have with your baby during their first year.

1) Eyesight.

A baby’s eyesight should be checked at birth and then again at six months, nine months, and one year. If you notice your child has trouble seeing or focusing on objects, take them to the doctor for an exam. Later in life, poor vision can be corrected with glasses or surgery; but if it’s caught early enough, much of this can be avoided.

2) Hearing.

Just as with eyesight, babies should have their hearing checked at birth and then again at six months, nine months, and twelve months. Ear infections often go unnoticed in babies since they can’t yet tell you that their ears are hurting, so it’s essential to get regular checkups to ensure everything is functioning correctly. In addition, babies who do not receive proper care for hearing loss may struggle in school and later in life due to the lack of auditory stimuli.

3) Body Weight.

Babies should be weighed at every checkup to ensure they are gaining the appropriate amount of weight. If your baby is overweight, the doctor may advise you on healthier food choices for your child. However, if a baby is underweight or fails to gain weight between appointments, they may need some additional care from a pediatrician as this can be an indication of an underlying health issue.

4) Spine And Bone Structure.

Babies’ bones are still growing and developing during the first year of life, so it’s crucial to have their spine and bone structure checked at each checkup. This will help identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed with physical therapy or other treatments. A Pediatric Chiropractor can monitor and treat any issues that may be affecting your child’s skeletal structure. At the one-year checkup, your pediatrician will also measure your child’s height and head circumference. This helps ensure that they are on track with their growth and development.

5) Emotional Health.

A baby’s emotional health should be monitored during their first year of life as well. For example, your pediatrician may ask you questions about your child’s eating habits and sleep patterns to determine if there are any concerns that need addressing. If the doctor notices something abnormal, they will refer you to a specialist who can help with this issue before it becomes more serious later on down the road.

As you can see, many things need checking in a baby’s first year of life! It is essential for them to have regular checkups so that they get off on the right track early on. After all, these visits are what make up many of the milestones in your child’s life.