Twelve-Month Well-Baby Visit: What to Expect

One year old already! Your child is changing quickly. Preventative care in the form of well-baby visits continues to be important as your baby grows. It is reassuring to have a good physical examination completed, and to be able to exchange information with your doctor. Here are some things to expect during your child's twelve-month well-baby visit:

1. Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference will be taken. These measurements are the most obvious ways to determine if your baby is getting enough to eat and growing correctly. The pediatrician will continue to plot these measurements on a growth chart that is updated at each visit to track your child's growth. Comparing your child's growth from one visit to the next will help the doctor see if there is a consistent and appropriate rate of growth. The chart will also show the percentiles at which your child's measurements fall, which simply compares his or her size to that of other babies the same age.

2. Eyes, ears, and mouth will be checked for any irregularities. Teeth will be checked, and the doctor may talk to you about brushing your child's teeth. The doctor will shine a light into the baby's eyes to check for pupil dilation.

3. The doctor will listen to the lungs, heart, and belly with a stethoscope. This part of the exam will help determine if there are any breathing problems or heart murmurs/irregularities. He or she will also feel baby's belly area to make sure there is no swelling of the internal organs.

4. Diaper area will be checked for any swelling or lumps.

5. Legs and hips will be rotated to check for hip dysplasia or other joint or movement problems.

6. Temperature and reflexes may also be checked.

7. The pediatrician will ask you some questions about your baby. These may include questions about frequency of feedings, sleeping habits, and urination and bowel movements. He or she will also ask you about developmental milestones, such as pulling to a standing position, cruising and walking, drinking from a cup, waving bye-bye, beginning to say words, and self-feeding.