When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, you're probably preoccupied with thoughts regarding their health and wellness. You want to make sure you're doing everything right to keep them safe and healthy. Understanding your baby's doctor visit schedule can help you feel secure and empowered about handling your child's health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, young children need to go to the doctor or nurse for a well-child visit seven times between the ages of one and four. During the first year, however, you may schedule more visits. Here is a rundown of when to take your baby to a local pediatric office.

Within the First Week

A pediatrician will check to see if your baby is learning to eat and relieve themself properly. These are the first bodily functions that need to be regulated after birth. These can be an important indicator of your baby's overall health.

At Two Weeks Old

When your baby is two weeks old, you'll go back to your local pediatric office. During this visit, the baby's weight will be checked. The doctor will also inquire about the baby's eating schedule, how often they relieve themself, and how they're sleeping. Most importantly, the doctor will do screenings to make sure the baby is flushing the mother's hormones out of its system properly. A baby will continue to circulate the mother's hormones for about a week or so after birth, per MedlinePlus; this is perfectly normal, but these hormone levels should start coming down after they're two weeks old.

At Two Months Old

During this visit, the pediatrician will examine your baby's muscle development and check for head flattening. This can happen if a baby is left to lie on their back for long periods of time. The baby should be reacting to some social cues, too, such as familiar faces. They may also be smiling at this point!

At Four, Six, Nine, and 12 Months Old

You'll also bring your baby to the doctor when they hit the four-month, six-month, nine-month, and 12-month milestones. These visits will be used to examine the baby's weight, growth, and overall development. If there are any concerns, always bring them up to your trusted pediatrician!

If you're looking for a local pediatric office, please contact Tennessee Valley Pediatrics today. We're here to help you and your baby stay healthy and happy!