The following information is a general guide as to what may be involved with your newborn checks and examinations. For easier explanation we have used abbreviations to indicate when specific checks may be performed on your baby. The abbreviations are as follows:
We will start at the top of your baby and work our way down to their toes!
The baby's:
| Head |
Measuring of the baby's head circumference. (G, FE, G and D)
Checking the soft spot on the baby's head for size and tension (called a 'fontanelle'). (G, FE, G and D)
Does the baby have any head lag (a traction response reflex)? (FE, G and D)
Checking the changing shape. Any caput or moulding subsiding? Is a cephalhaematoma forming? Is the scalp electrode site healing (if one was used)? (D)
|
| Eyes |
Eyes looking normal. (G, FE, G and D)
Any infection? Are they inflamed or have a sticky or pus-like discharge? Is the swelling of the eyelids subsiding? (FE, D)
A check of the back of the baby's eyeballs (or retina) with a light (ophthalmoscope) and checking the eye lenses for clouding (cataracts). (FE)
Baby 'tracking' or following moving objects and fixing on an object with their eyes - from 6 weeks of age. (G and D)
|
| Ears |
Normally formed and positioned with normal openings. (G, FE)
Does the baby startle to loud noises? (G and D)
Hearing Assessment (6 to 8 months of age). (G and D)
|
| Nose |
Looks normal? Can the baby breathe while their mouth is closed or while they are feeding? (G, FE)
Is the baby snuffly? (This is normal) (D)
|
| Mouth |
Lips look red and normally formed. Roof of mouth felt to look for cleft palate (may use tongue depressor to look at the roof of the mouth). Does the baby have a good suck reflex? (G, FE)
|
| Neck |
Felt for cysts, lumps, or webbing of the skin. The thyroid gland felt (normal size?). Is the tonic neck reflex present? (FE)
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