Health check list for 4 months old baby

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Health check-up for newborns is a necessary job to monitor development and recognize abnormal signs at the earliest. 4-month-old babies also need regular health check-ups for them. Parents should find out what to do during a health check-up for their child. Some of the questions doctors often ask should be prepared with answers.

1. What will the doctor do when examining a 4-month-old infant?

Weigh and measure baby
Parents will need to completely undress their baby before weighing for accurate results. The doctor will weigh the baby, measure the length and circumference of the head, and plot the measured results on a growth chart.
Growth charts allow parents to see how their child is compared to other children of the same age. But what matters is not whether the child's measured values ​​are in the 5th or 95th percentile, but rather that the child's growth rate remains stable from one visit to the next.
Perform a complete physical exam
Heart and lungs: Use a stethoscope to listen for and detect any irregular heartbeats or other problems with the respiratory system. Eyes: Check for signs of congenital eye problems and other abnormalities. The doctor may also check your child's tear ducts and tear flow. Ear: Look for signs of an infection in the outer ear or middle ear canal and observe how the child responds to sounds. Mouth: Look for signs of thrush or a fungal infection of the mouth and any signs of new teeth coming in. Advice on oral care for children who have teeth. Head: Check the anterior and posterior fontanelles and shape of the baby's head. Also, check to see if the baby's head is flattened from a long lying position. Whole body: Check the child's primitive reflexes and muscle tone, and examine the child's skin for rashes. The doctor may also place the baby on his or her stomach to check the baby's head control. At this age, babies can already raise their heads while lying on their stomachs. Abdomen: Gently press on the abdomen to check for the presence of hernias or an increase in the size of any organs inside the abdomen such as the liver or spleen. Genitals: Open the baby's diaper and check for signs of infection in the external genitalia and urinary tract. Some genitourinary system anomalies may also be detected at physical examination if missed in previous newborn health screenings. Hips and Legs: Observe your child's movement and movement of the legs around for problems with the hip joint.

Vaccinations for children
Children will be vaccinated with DTaP, Hib, polio, pneumococcal (combined in two shots) and rotavirus vaccine (by mouth).
A medical assistant can manage the child's vaccinations, reminding parents to come on time for vaccinations. Vaccinations for 4-month-old babies are usually done at the end of the visit so parents can have some privacy afterwards to comfort the baby.
Address any other parent concerns
The doctor will recommend vitamin D to breastfed infants. In other cases, a baby who is formula-fed with 500ml to 1000ml is getting enough vitamin D.
The doctor will address any health-related concerns, such as how to deal with constipation, colds and flu. colds and flu, ask parents some questions and help them understand what is normal at this age, recognizing the signs of abnormalities as early as possible.

2. Questions a doctor may ask during a routine check-up of a 4-month-old infant

How do babies sleep? Children's sleep can be a more predictable routine with three to four daytime naps and longer nighttime sleep intervals of six hours or more. Babies this age should be put to sleep at night rather than waking them up to feed in the middle of the night when they don't need it.
When, how and how often does the child eat? The recommended period of weaning by medical organizations is 4 to 6 months of age. However, some babies may not be ready for solid foods and parents should not talk to their doctor about this now. Ask your doctor how and when to start introducing solids, and if your baby needs any extra vitamins.
How does the child have a bowel movement? Soft stools are best, but color can vary. If your child has frequent bowel movements, has an odor, is watery, and has mucus, it may mean that the child is having diarrhea. Ask your doctor about the best way to get treatment.
Can your child roll over one way or sit with support? Both of these skills are skills your child will begin to develop now, although he probably won't be able to roll over in either direction or sit without support later, until later. about 6 months old.

Can your baby practice pushing a mini stroller? This skill is specific to 4-month-old babies and shows that the baby's physical development is on track. If your baby is still having trouble controlling or lifting his head, let the doctor know.
What sounds does your baby make? Your 4-month-old's language skills can include babbling, squealing, and even laughing. Your baby is probably smiling more at people around him, too, sometimes before you even smile at him and his mouth is pretty active - exploring things, drooling and blowing bubbles, making rain. If your baby makes less sounds than before, tell the doctor.
How are children's motor skills? The child can now reach for objects. Children can also bring their hands in front of them. If your child uses one hand more than the other, tell the doctor. Children should also kick with both feet and bounce when held upright on their lap or on the floor. If your child keeps their legs straight more, tell the doctor.
Have you noticed anything unusual about your child's eyes or the way he sees things? During each newborn physical exam, the doctor should check the structure and alignment of the eyes, as well as the correct movement of the eyes.
How is the child's hearing? If the child does not turn his or her head in the direction of the sound, tell your child's doctor. The sooner potential hearing problems are investigated, the sooner they can be treated.

When a child shows abnormal signs of health, parents can take the child to Vinmec Health system for timely examination and treatment.
As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health System, Pediatrics Department - Vinmec International General Hospital always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts thanks to the following advantages:
gathers a team of leading doctors and doctors in Pediatrics: including leading experts, with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, having worked in different hospitals. big hospitals like Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, have a heart - reach, understand young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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Reference source: Babycenter.com