The Secrets of the Six-Week Check

Your doctor will give your baby a development check, about six weeks after birth. This is to check your baby's physical growth, behavioural development, as well as her overall state of health. Sometimes babies don't co-operate with the doctor, so your own observations are important, and if you have any concerns, mention them to your doctor. Your doctor will check your baby's hearing by seeing if sudden noises startle her. He will also check your baby's muscle tone, by moving her arms and legs. Your baby's reflexes will also be checked, such as the grasp reflex, the stepping reflex, as well as any eye abnormalities, congenital dislocation of the hip, signs of possible congenital heart disease, and undescended testes in boy babies. He will al so check for small abnormalities, such as birthmarks.