Head-to-toe physical exam

Expect a thorough physical exam during the checkup. Mention any concerns you have or areas you want the doctor to check out. Here are the basics:

• Head. The doctor will check the soft spots (fontanels) on your baby's head. These are gaps between the bones of the skull where bone formation isn't complete. The smaller spot at the back of the head usually closes by age 2 to 3 months. The larger spot toward the front often closes around age 18 months.
• Ears. The doctor will use an instrument called an otoscope to check for fluid or infection in your baby's ears. The doctor might observe your baby's response to various sounds, including your voice.
• Eyes. The doctor will look inside your baby's eyes with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. As your baby gets older, the doctor might catch your baby's attention and then track your baby's eye movements.
• Mouth. The doctor might check the roof of your baby's mouth for an opening (cleft palate). A look inside your baby's mouth might reveal signs of oral thrush, a common — and easily treated — yeast infection. As your baby gets older, the doctor might ask whether you've noticed more drooling or chewing than usual. These are often the first signs of teething.
• Skin. Various skin conditions might be identified during the exam, including birthmarks and rashes.
• Heart and lungs. The doctor will use a stethoscope to detect any abnormal heart sounds (murmurs) or rhythms or breathing difficulties. Heart murmurs are often harmless, yet sometimes consultation with a specialist is recommended.
• Abdomen. By gently pressing your baby's belly, the doctor can detect tenderness, enlarged organs or unusual masses.
• Hips and legs. The doctor might move your baby's legs to check for dislocation or other problems with the hip joints.
• Genitalia. The doctor will likely inspect your baby's genitalia for tenderness, lumps or signs of infection. For boys, the doctor will make sure both testes have descended into the scrotum and, in the case of circumcision, will check to see whether the penis is healing properly.