“Well-visit” examination schedule for infants and babies
Newton Pediatrics recommends a schedule of frequent check-ups (also called “well visits”) in the first year of a child’s life. We recommend annual check-ups for children ages three and up.
- Prenatal visit
- 2–3 days
- 2 weeks
- 4 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
When should you schedule a “sick visit” for your infant?
Call for an appointment whenever you observe anything questionable. Here are some typical signs that an infant may be sick:
- Change in stool and urine patterns
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased sleep
- Diarrhea
- Excessive crying
- Excessive sleeping
- Fever
- Pulling on ears
- Rashes
- Vomiting
Have these items on hand for your new baby
- Bulb syringe
- Saline nose drops
- Thermometer
Be sure to include these items in your baby’s diaper bag
Diapering & clothing
- 2 changes of clothing
- 6-8 diapers, depending on how long your outing will be
- Changing pad
- Diaper rash ointment
- Hat(s) appropriate for shade and/or warmth
- Travel-size container of wipes
- Plastic bags for soiled clothing and diaper disposal
Feeding
- Bottled water for you (and baby if using powdered or concentrated formula)
- Bottles, if formula feeding
- Burp cloths
- Cans of formula or containers of pre-measured formula
Toys and soothing items
- 2 blankets
- Comfort toys
- Pacifiers
- Teething rings
Safety and emergencies
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
- Cell phone
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Immunization schedule
Well visits, especially in the first year of life, include immunizations at regular intervals. Please let us know if we can answer any concerns you may have about immunizations. For an up-to-date immunization schedule please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child.html
Treating fever and pain in children
Fever is not necessarily dangerous for children. Aspirin should not be used to treat fever or pain in children. Instead, we recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months of age). Please consult these dosage charts and check with our office for further details.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosage
| Child’s Weight (pounds) | 6-11 | 12-17 | 18-23 | 24-35 | 36-47 | 48-59 | 60-71 | 72-95 | 96+ | lbs |
| Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 ml | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2.4 | — | — | — | — | ml |
| Syrup: 160 mg/5 ml (1 tsp) | 1.25 | 2.5 | 3.75 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | 20 | ml |
| Syrup: 160 mg/1 teaspoon | — | 1/2 | 3/4 | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | 2 1/2 | 3 | 4 | tsp |
| Chewable 80 mg tablets | — | — | 1 1/2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | tabs |
| Chewable 160 mg tablets | — | — | — | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | 2 1/2 | 3 | 4 | tabs |
| Adult 325 mg tablets | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | tabs |
| Adult 500 mg tablets | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | tabs |
Read more about dosage at HealthyChildren.org