The early checkups feel frequent because growth is fastest when it matters most. Each visit has a purpose beyond weighing — here is what we are really looking for, and what to ask.
1. The day-5 check
Weight regain, feeding, jaundice and the newborn physical — hips, eyes, heart and testes. Ask us anything about feeding volumes and sleep; nothing you ask is too small at this visit.
2. The six-week review
A head-to-toe recheck plus your postnatal review in the same appointment. We talk vaccines, vitamin D, crying patterns and your recovery — maternal health is pediatric health.
3. Eight-month review
Sitting, babbling, stranger awareness and first teeth. Bring your red-book questions about weaning textures and sleep regressions; both are normal, both are survivable.
4. Two-year review
Language burst, walking confidence, behavior boundaries and the MMR catch-up if missed. This is the visit where early speech or social concerns are best spotted — and best helped.
5. School-entry check
Vision, hearing, height, weight and immunization status before reception year. We complete school health forms within 48 hours of this visit.