Your Baby’s Four-Month Checkup

Your baby needs regular health checkups. She needs the checkups even if she’s not sick. Checkups can keep her healthy. She will have her vision, hearing, weight and length checked.

Your baby will receive shots. Ask your doctor or nurse what to look for and what you should do if your baby has any reaction to these shots, like fever or fussiness. Shots will keep her from getting sick and keep her healthy.


The doctor will also make sure your baby is developing as she should. The doctor will ask you if your baby is reaching for toys. He will ask if your baby smiles and coos.

Before the checkup, write down questions you have about your baby. Bring the questions with you to the checkup. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about your baby. This is a good time to ask the doctor or nurse questions like, “What are the symptoms a baby has when she has a cold? How should I treat her if she has a cold? What kinds of problems should I call you for? What temperature should I call you for?”

Always ask the nurse or doctor for a copy of your baby’s checkup results. It’s a good idea to keep the copy in a notebook or safe place. If the doctor tells you to give your baby any medicines, write down the names of the medicines and directions. Using a notebook will help you keep track of your baby’s health and development. Make an appointment for your baby’s six-month checkup.

Your baby may get her first cold or ear infection. As your baby explores her world and plays with other children and adults, she will have more contact with germs. If you don’t know what to do about her symptoms, call your doctor or clinic. They will be able to tell you if she needs to see a doctor.