It might seem like yesterday when Baby grasped your finger for the first time, but believe it or not, it’s already time for both of you to head back to your pediatric provider’s office for a baby staple: the 2 month checkup! This special visit will allow your pediatric provider to assess Baby’s early development, take care of some crucial vaccinations, offer health recommendations for the near future, and answer any questions you may have about Baby. Here’s how a typical checkup breaks down:
A: The weigh-in
Not only will the doctor see where Baby ranks on the scale, they’ll also measure their length and head circumference. These numbers will be added to Baby’s growth chart. A growth chart allows your team to track Baby’s growth over time, and can be a useful tool if there are any concerns. Often you’ll be told that Baby is in a certain “percentile” between 1 and 99. Some babies are small, while others are large, but what matters is that they continue to track along their own unique percentile over time.
B: The physical
Common ways to evaluate Baby‘s health include using a stethoscope to check in on their heart rhythm and lungs, testing their reflexes and muscle tone, inspecting their eyes for blocked tear ducts or discharge, peeking in ears for anything unusual, flexing hips for stability, and pressing gently on their abdomen to check for any hernias or enlarged organs. They’ll also check out their head for flat spots and make sure everything is on track with their soft spots. If you have a boy, they’ll check their testicles and circumcision site, if applicable.
C: The Q&A
This is a chance for you and your team to touch base on Baby’s everyday behavior and address any concerns. Because visits are short, it helps to write down any questions or worries you have and start there. These could be about sleep, digestion, alertness, or, really, anything else. In the days leading up to the appointment, it’s a good idea to make a note of how often and for how long Baby is eating, a rough idea of how long they sleep, how many wet and dirty diapers they have every day, and how much time they are spending on their tummy. If Baby has been suffering from any physical ailments such as diaper rash or reflux, now is the perfect time to bring it up. And if they are breastfed, if you haven’t discussed it yet, now is a good time to ask the doctor whether Baby should be taking vitamin D supplements.
D: Vaccinations
Baby will be vaccinated for polio, rotavirus, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), hepatitis B, as well as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP). Thankfully, one of these vaccines is oral, and the others are often combined into just two shots. Most doctors tend to save this part for the very end of the exam. That way, you can have some private time to comfort or feed Baby and let them know how bravely they endured those shots. It’s very common to notice fussiness, sleepiness, or even a fever after these vaccinations. These are normal immune responses, and your provider will go over what signs would be a cause for concern.
While you’re there, remember that your team is a great resource for any questions you might have about Baby’s health and development, so make sure to ask about anything that’s on your mind at this visit.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits.” Healthy Children. American Academy of Pediatrics, Sept 14, 2021. Web.
- “Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025. Web.
