Prepare for Your Baby’s Four-Month Checkup

Call your doctor now to set up your baby’s four-month checkup for next
month. This visit is very important for your child’s health.

During the four-month visit, your baby will have another complete
checkup. This includes his weight, length and head size. His heart and lungs
will also be checked. The doctor will check on how your baby holds his head
up and uses his hands. Your baby’s hearing and vision will also be checked.
Make sure your doctor undresses your baby for a complete physical exam.

Your baby will get his second set of shots. These may include three shots:
one for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; one for polio; and one for hemophilus
influenzae B (flu).

You can ask questions about the baby’s growth, health and development.
Write questions down when you think of them. Then you can bring a list
with you to the checkup. The list will help you remember what you want to
ask. Your baby needs checkups again at six months, nine months and one
year of age.

If your baby is eligible for Medicaid, he can get free checkups. You can call
your local social welfare, health or family services office to see if you qualify
for Medicaid services.

If you don’t have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about
resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Insure Kids Now Program at 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can
also visit their Web site at www.insurekidsnow.gov for more information
about free or low-cost health insurance for children. Many public libraries
offer free access to the Internet and provide help for first-time users.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your Three-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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