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KNOWLEDGE CENTER

Newborn to 11 Months Well Visits: Helping Your Baby Grow and Thrive

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Well visit services

Newborns and infants grow and develop quickly, so well visits are much more frequent in their first year of life. Get your baby off to the healthiest possible start at MD Kids Pediatrics by following this monthly guide. Explore these links for detailed descriptions of each well visit service, including why they are so crucial for our littlest patients.

Vaccines for newborns & infants

Seasonal immunizations for newborns & infants

Screenings for newborns & infants

Labs for newborns & infants

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Protecting your newborns & infants with vaccines

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child’s health early in life. The immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the trusted standard to train your baby’s immune system.


Here are the immunizations recommended for newborn to 11 months:

Hepatitis B

What: Protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.

How: A series of four injections, with the first typically given at birth in the hospital, then at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits.

DTaP

What: Protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), respiratory infections that can cause severe disease or even death, and tetanus, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated wounds.

How: A series of five injections by age 4, typically given at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits (it is effective about 2 weeks after the first shot but needs the later booster shots to continue to be effective).

Polio

What: Protects against polio, a virus spread through infected stool or contaminated food or water that can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis.

How: A series of three injections, typically given at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits.

Hib

What: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), a bacteria that spreads through respiratory droplets (such as by coughing or sneezing) and can cause serious infections that can be life-threatening in babies.

How: A series of three injections, typically given at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits.

Pneumococcal

What: Protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which spread through respiratory droplets, like coughing or sneezing, and can cause ear infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.

How: A series of three injections, typically given at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits.

Rotavirus

What: Protects against rotavirus, a virus that spreads easily through contaminated hands, surfaces, and objects and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.

How: An oral liquid given by mouth, typically at the 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months well visits.

Fewer shots, more protection

By giving vaccines in combination, we complete the series more quickly and reduce stress for your baby. Combination vaccines do not “overload” your baby’s immune system.

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Seasonal immunizations for newborns to 11 months

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older, while the RSV vaccine is recommended for children younger than 8 months whose mother did not receive the maternal vaccine during pregnancy. 

Flu shot

What: Protects against seasonal Influenza, which can lead to serious complications in children, especially those younger than 2 years, and children of any age with certain chronic health conditions, like asthma and diabetes.

How: Flu vaccines are given as an injection, approved for use in children 6 months and older.

When: Children should receive a flu vaccine every flu season. September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated, with a goal of vaccination by the end of October whenever possible.

RSV

What: Protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. In infants, RSV can sometimes cause serious breathing problems, including bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and is a leading cause of hospitalization in babies. 

How: An injection for babies under 8 months old, born just before or during the RSV season (typically October through March), if baby’s mother did not receive the maternal vaccine during pregnancy.

Screenings for newborns & infants

Screenings are another essential part of well visits.

Here are the screenings recommended for newborn to 11 months:

Social needs

What: A short set of questions we ask all families about things like food, housing, transportation, and safety.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: When we understand your child’s environment, we can better support their growth, behavior, and success at home and at school.

Postpartum depression

What: A short set of questions we ask all new parents to check in on their mood, stress, and emotional well-being after having a baby.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: It's common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad after having a baby. If this sounds like you, there are resources that can help. Taking care of yourself is an important part of your baby’s health and development.

Developmental

What: A short set of questions we ask all families to understand your baby's development, including how they move, communicate, and interact with others.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: Babies grow and develop rapidly in the first year. Your input helps us make sure your baby is meeting expected milestones and address any concerns as early as possible.

No right answers

No right answers

Every baby develops differently, and every family is unique, so there are no right or wrong answers to these screenings. This information allows your care team to help you and your baby in a way that best meets your needs.

A note about privacy

A note about privacy

All your screening answers are private. We do not report this information to outside agencies. However, we can connect you to helpful resources if you request them.

Labs for newborns & infants

Labs for newborns & infants

Newborn screening involves a routine, life-saving set of lab tests, including a blood test, hearing test, and heart oxygen test. Your hospital care team typically does these labs before your baby goes home. 

Your MD Kids Pediatrics provider will inform you if your baby needs additional lab work during the first month or into their first year.

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