Parent Pal Guide
Doctor visits

Walking into checkups prepared

When to go, when to call urgently, what to pack, and what to ask.

Call your doctor now if…

  • Fever of 38°C / 100.4°F or higher in a baby under 3 months
  • Difficulty breathing: grunting, flaring nostrils, ribs pulling in, blue lips
  • Won't feed, or fewer than 4–6 wet diapers a day after the first week
  • Floppy, hard to wake, or a cry you truly cannot console
  • A rash that doesn't fade when pressed, or repeated forceful vomiting
  • A fall from height, or any head injury with vomiting or drowsiness

If breathing is struggling or your baby is unresponsive, go to emergency services immediately rather than waiting for a call back.

Well-baby checkups

3–5 daysWeight, jaundice, feeding and latch check
1 monthWeight gain, sleep safety, first vaccines catch-up
2 monthsGrowth, vaccines, social smiling
4 monthsVaccines, head control, rolling, solids readiness talk
6 monthsVaccines, teething, starting solids, iron
9 monthsDevelopment screen, crawling, sitting, babbling
12 monthsVaccines, first words, walking, cow's milk transition

Vaccines given at these visits are listed on the vaccination schedule.

What to bring

  • Vaccination record and your baby's health book
  • A diaper change, wipes and a spare outfit
  • A feed (or feed just before, if you can) and a comfort item
  • Your feed & sleep log for the past few days
  • Your written questions — you will forget them otherwise

Questions to ask

Tick the ones you want to raise — saved on this device.

General information only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for an examination. If you're worried, call your pediatrician.