Medical Care & Your Baby

Articles In This Section

• Frequently Asked Questions About Immunizations

  Immunizations have protected millions of children from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about immunizations and find out exactly what they do - and what they don't.

• The Medical Home

  A medical home is a new term in health care. But what does it mean? Find out what a medical home is and why your child needs one.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Month

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.

• How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 15 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Year (12 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 9 months old.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the fourth month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 to 5 Days

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.

• Your Child’s Checkup: Newborn

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.

• Immunization Schedule

  Which vaccines does your child need to receive and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

• Medical Care and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

  Because your baby begins to show his or her personality during these months, your questions may move from simple sleeping and eating concerns to those about physical and social development.

• Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

  You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age?

• Medical Care During Pregnancy

  The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

• Your Child’s Immunizations

  Immunizations protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

• Newborn Screening Tests

  Newborn screening tests look for harmful or potentially fatal disorders that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done and which disorders they're designed to detect.

• Preparing Your Child for Visits to the Doctor

  When kids know they're "going to the doctor," many become worried about the visit. Here's how to help them.

• Medical Care and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

  The toddler months might continue to bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies, but you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's emerging independence.

• Finding a Doctor for Your New Baby

  Along with considering baby names and buying a crib, choosing the right health care provider should be on your to-do list when you're expecting.

• Medical Care and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

  As your baby becomes more independent, you may have questions about how to prevent bumps and bruises. Here are some other topics you'll cover with your doctor.

• Medical Care and Your Newborn

  By the time you hold your new baby for the first time, you've probably chosen your little one's doctor. Learn about your newborn's medical care.

• Talking to Your Child’s Doctor

  Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

• Birthing Centers and Hospital Maternity Services

  Where you choose to give birth is an important decision. Is a hospital or a birth center right for you? Knowing the facts can help you make your decision.

• Medical Care and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are essential to keeping kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations against dangerous diseases. Here's what to expect at the doctor's office.