From the Guidelines
A routine check-up for a 6-8 week old baby should include comprehensive assessments and preventive interventions to ensure the baby's physical health and the family's adjustment to caring for the infant. The healthcare provider should measure and record the baby's weight, length, and head circumference, plotting these on growth charts to ensure appropriate development 1. A complete physical examination should assess all body systems, with special attention to hip stability to screen for developmental dysplasia, eye tracking, heart sounds, and neurological responses. Developmental milestones should be evaluated, including the baby's ability to lift their head briefly when prone, focus on faces, and respond to sounds.
Some key points to consider during this check-up include:
- Vaccinations due at this visit typically include the second dose of hepatitis B vaccine and the first doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis), IPV (inactivated poliovirus), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate), and rotavirus vaccines 1.
- Parents should be counseled about normal infant feeding patterns, sleep safety practices, and developmental stimulation.
- The provider should also screen for postpartum depression in the mother, as maternal mental health directly impacts infant care.
- It is essential to promote skin-to-skin contact with the mother once any wounds are covered and the neonate is well, as this can help reduce pain and exposure to infection 1.
- The use of a venous sample for newborn screening tests on day 2-3 of life can help reduce friction to the heel and avoid degloving injury 1.
The most critical aspect of this check-up is to ensure that the baby is receiving proper care and attention to prevent any potential health issues, and that the parents are well-equipped to care for their infant. By following these guidelines and recommendations, healthcare providers can help ensure the best possible outcomes for both the baby and the family.
From the Research
Recommended Assessments for 6-8 Weeks Old Baby
- A comprehensive health check is required at 6-8 weeks of age, typically completed by GPs, as part of the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) programme 2
- The check includes a physical examination of the baby, as well as an opportunity for parents to raise any concerns they may have about their baby's health and development 2
Interventions for 6-8 Weeks Old Baby
- Vaccinations, such as rotavirus vaccine, can be administered at this age, and have been shown to be safe and effective when co-administered with other childhood vaccines 3, 4, 5, 6
- The rotavirus vaccine can be given to infants exposed to biologic agents in utero, and has been shown to have a good safety profile in this population 4
- Parents value a thorough check by a trusted GP, and appreciate explanations of what is being done during the examination, as well as space to raise any concerns they may have 2
Parental Expectations and Experiences
- Parents have few specific expectations of the 6-week check, but anticipate reassurance about their baby's normal development and their own parenting 2
- Parents appreciate combined mother and baby checks, and referrals to secondary care are generally experienced as reassuring rather than a source of anxiety 2
- Protecting the time for a thorough consultation is important for parents at what can be a vulnerable time 2