Your baby will need to be undressed for these checks, but the caregiver should try to keep the examination as brief as possible and cover the baby when they can, to keep your baby warm. Many babies don't like being disturbed in this way and some of the tests can be a little uncomfortable (for example checking the hips), often making the baby cry. The caregiver will mentally note your baby's posture, movements, cry and responses.
The baby's weight, head circumference and length will be done at the first general check, on the last daily check before you go home (or your last midwife's visit) and at any growth and development checks. The baby's head circumference will be checked during a formal newborn examination.
The baby's reflexes are usually only checked during a formal examination and at later growth and development checks. These look at the normal development of your baby's nervous system. Different reflexes are tested for at various stages throughout the examination and can be read about in detail in
newborn reflexes.