What are the physical examinations for a 3-month-old baby

The three month old baby's physical examination mainly includes growth and development assessment, neurobehavioral development screening, basic physical examination, vaccination status, and common disease screening. The main physical examination items include height and weight measurement, head circumference and chest circumference assessment, hip joint development examination, hearing and vision screening, blood routine testing, etc.

1. Growth and development assessment

evaluates nutritional status by measuring data such as height, weight, head circumference, and drawing a growth curve chart. The doctor will check the degree of fontanelle closure, skin elasticity, and muscle tone to observe whether there is developmental delay. If insufficient weight gain is found, feeding problems or metabolic diseases should be investigated.

2. Neurobehavioral development [SEP]: The neonatal behavioral neurological assessment method is used to evaluate abilities such as chasing, looking up, and grasping. Check if you can lift your head 45 degrees when in prone position and if there is a tendency to turn over independently when in supine position. Abnormal manifestations may indicate brain injury or neuromuscular disease, and further developmental quotient testing is required.

3. Basic physical examination

focuses on checking for any murmurs in cardiopulmonary auscultation, abdominal palpation to rule out hernias, and observing limb mobility and symmetry. Pay special attention to whether hip abduction is restricted, and if necessary, perform B-ultrasound screening for developmental hip dislocation. Skin examination should exclude common issues such as hemangioma and eczema.

4. Vaccination review

Check the second dose of hepatitis B vaccine, BCG vaccine and other vaccination records, and evaluate the reaction of vaccination site. According to the national immunization program, oral polio vaccine may be required at this time, and doctors will inform you of the subsequent vaccination arrangements and precautions.

5. Disease screening project

The risk of anemia is determined by retesting the genetic metabolic disease screening results of heel blood and testing hemoglobin in blood routine. Premature infants need to undergo additional screening for retinal lesions, while high-risk infants may require brainstem auditory evoked potential testing. If abnormalities are found, they need to be referred to a specialist for further diagnosis. After the physical examination, parents should adjust their feeding methods according to medical advice. Breastfeeders should pay attention to vitamin D supplementation, and formula feeding should control the amount of milk to avoid excessive feeding. Perform daily prone head up training to promote motor development, and regularly monitor body temperature and bowel movements. If abnormal symptoms such as refusal to breastfeed, drowsiness, and persistent crying occur, timely follow-up should be sought. It is recommended to record the baby's daily habits such as sleep, eating, and bowel movements for reference during the next physical examination.