Introduction

Giving birth to a new life and having a new person in the family is undoubtedly an exciting moment. But let’s be honest, there are a million questions in that time and the fear of not doing things properly.

The early years of a human being's life are extremely important as skills and structures develop that will affect the rest of their life. For example, it is in the first year of life that a child's brain has the greatest capacity to mould and develop. During this first year, the brain's volume doubles.¹

Today, ensuring that our babies receive the necessary check-ups is very important. This can help us detect any health conditions that may threaten the baby's well-being promptly and prevent many others.

In this article, we share with you the essential check-ups that a baby in their first year should not miss and the vaccinations that help us have a healthier baby with higher defences, ready to engage with the world.

Importance of regular check-ups and vaccinations

Monitoring a human being's health is important even before birth because of this, the first year of life is no exception. The baby's growth and development must be evaluated, any potential health problems detected, and we must always focus on preventing negative health situations.

When we talk about preventive care, vaccines undoubtedly play a crucial role. According to the World Health Organization's website, today we have more than 20 vaccines that prevent over 20 life-threatening diseases.² 

At birth, we have not been exposed to the vast majority of elements, including microorganisms. A baby is born with some defences, but these are not sufficient for everything they will face in life. Some defences are passed from the mother through the placenta and others through breast milk.³ 

Vaccines benefit babies because they teach the body how to counteract certain microorganisms without having to face the full risk of the illness they trigger. Without vaccines, we would be exposed to dangerous diseases that have caused numerous deaths in the past, such as smallpox, or poliomyelitis from which some people still live with the lasting effects of the disease.

First check-up: newborn examination

The baby's first check-up usually occurs within the first 48 hours of life. This timeframe considers various situations in which a baby might be born but when a hospital birth occurs, the baby is generally immediately evaluated by a perinatologist (the paediatrician specialised in newborns).

This evaluation is based on a physical check-up and the baby's response to stimuli. It is extremely important to know the baby's weight, length, and head circumference, as these measurements can indicate if things are not quite right.⁴ 

Other important tools are the various screening tests. Depending on the nature of each, they can help detect hearing problems, metabolic disorders, blood diseases, and others.

The first vaccine administered to newborn babies tends to be the hepatitis B vaccine. In some countries where tuberculosis is endemic (recurring), the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis, is also given.

Subsequent check-ups: monthly to bi-monthly visits

Subsequently, there should be more check-ups for the baby. These check-ups occur as follows.

1-month check-up

At the first-month check-up, the following will be conducted:

• A physical examination focusing on the eyes, heart, hips, weight, length, and head circumference. Those assigned male at birth will also have their testicles examined
• Evaluation of growth and development
• Vaccinations, if necessary (if those due at birth were not administered)

2-month check-up

At the second-month check-up:

• Physical examination
• Checking if developmental milestones have been reached, such as smiling when seeing faces or hearing voices – this is known as a social smile
• During this visit, the doctor talks with the person responsible for the baby and offers vaccinations scheduled at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 12 months of age, and before the child starts school⁵ 

The vaccines due for this check-up are those included in the 6-in-1 vaccine, which protects against:⁶

• diphtheria 
• hepatitis B 
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) 
• polio 
• tetanus
• whooping cough 

Others that should be administered are:⁷

• Meningococcal group B 
• Rotavirus

4-month check-up

During this check-up:

• The physical examination is repeated
• The baby's feeding is reviewed
• Developmental milestones are evaluated, for example, the baby looking at their hands, indicating self-discovery
• Vaccinations are reviewed, and any necessary vaccines are administered⁸

6-month check-up

At this check-up:

• A physical examination is conducted to assess the baby's growth
• Feeding and transition to solid foods are reviewed
• Developmental milestones such as sitting without support are evaluated
• Vaccinations are reviewed
• Dental examination and any sleep-related issues that may be present are assessed

9-month check-up

At this check-up:

• Physical examination is conducted to assess growth
• Feeding is reviewed
• Developmental milestones are evaluated
  • inhibiting certain actions when told "no" by responding to tone and showing a non-verbal response
• The development of object permanence is assessed, allowing the baby to find something they saw being hidden
• Vaccinations are reviewed
• Guidance on introducing solid foods is given and a feeding routine is established for the baby

Specific vaccinations and their importance

Depending on the country, authorities may have different vaccination schedules. To help you understand which vaccines your baby needs and when they should be administered, below is an illustration of the UK immunisation schedule for the first year.

There are other vaccines whose indication depends on the particular conditions of each patient. Let's take a look:

Children in a clinical risk group are those with:⁹

• chronic respiratory disease 
• chronic heart conditions 
• chronic conditions of the kidney, liver or digestive system 
• chronic neurological disease 
• endocrine disorders 
• immunosuppression 
• asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen 
• serious genetic abnormalities that affect several systems and pregnancy

Additional check-ups: developmental and growth assessments

12-month check-up

Twelve months have passed, and your baby is now a one-year-old. How time flies! We celebrate life with a check-up that includes:

• A physical evaluation to assess growth
• A review of feeding
• A vaccination review
• An assessment of developmental milestones such as
  • walking independently
  • turning the pages of a book during storytime
  • developing symbolic thought, for example, pretending to drink juice from a cup

These check-ups are of utmost importance for prompt detection of any anomalies. Early intervention can provide better developmental opportunities for the baby, their healing and the prevention of certain conditions.

FAQs

Why are regular check-ups important for my baby during the first year?

Regularly scheduled exams are essential during the first year of life because this stage is characterised by rapid growth and progress. These visits assist in keeping track of your baby's well-being, they can help identify possible health issues at an early stage, and promptly take action to avoid future complications.

What is the purpose of vaccinations for my baby?

Vaccinations are needed because they help your baby's immune system learn how to fight certain microorganisms without experiencing the full danger of getting sick. They protect from severe illnesses that can lead to major health problems or death.

What happens during the newborn examination?

The newborn screening usually takes place within the first 48 hours after birth. It consists of a physical examination, evaluation of the infant's reaction to stimuli, and the recording of your baby’s weight, height, and head size. Testing for hearing, metabolic disorders, and blood diseases is also carried out.

What vaccines are given to newborns?

Typically, newborns are given the hepatitis B vaccine. In nations with high rates of tuberculosis, the BCG vaccine is given to prevent the disease.

Summary

• The first year of your baby's life is a time of drastic changes in their brain, it's clear how vital regular check-ups and timely vaccinations are in ensuring their healthy development
• These healthcare appointments oversee growth and developmental milestones, and guard against severe illnesses
• Immunisations are important in training your baby's immune system to protect against harmful agents
• These crucial health checks support your baby's growth and exploration throughout their first year
• Frequent appointments with the paediatrician are beneficial for monitoring development, addressing concerns promptly, and receiving advice on nutrition, sleep, and overall health
• Being informed and proactive will set your baby up for success, ensuring they are healthy, safe, and prepared to discover the world
• These initial actions set the groundwork for a promising and healthy future, transforming every milestone into a joyful recognition of your baby's progress