12 Month Visit Preview

Preparing for the 12 Month Visit

• Please make sure you read and understand our guides for 9 months to 12 months, and 12 months to 15 months.
• Write down any questions you have. It’s hard to remember them on the spot!
• Please read our guides on what to expect during an in-home visit as well as the precautions we're taking during COVID-19.

Growth

• We’ll measure and discuss your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference.
• We plot those numbers on the growth chart to give you a visual of how he’s changing from visit to visit.
• Your provider cares about percentiles, and how they compare to previous visits. We’re looking for consistency. The actual numbers for weight, length, and head circumference are less important.

Nutrition

• We'll discuss tips for mealtime success as well as the transition from formula (if present) to vitamin D-enriched milk (cow, goat, soy, pea, etc).
• Your provider will evaluate your baby's iron levels by checking the hemoglobin (via toe-prick).
• Your provider will also evaluate your child's risk for lead exposure in your home.
  • If significant risk factors are present, your provider will order a lead level test to be drawn at a nearby lab location.

Development

• Your provider will watch and interact with your baby.
• Everyone develops differently and at their own pace. That being said, if there’s anything you’re worried about, please bring it to our attention. See something, say something!

Physical Exam

• Our examination includes a lot in a short amount of time. Please ask questions if you have them! All questions are good questions, and we want you to be involved in your baby’s care.

Vaccines

• Several vaccines are given at the 12 month visit. There will be 4 injections, or 5 if your baby is due for a flu shot (see below):
  • MMR #1
  • Pneumococcal #4
  • Hepatitis A #1
  • Varicella #1
  • During flu season
    • Babies need two flu shots during their first flu season.
    • If she had one at the 6 or 9 month visits, we’ll give the second shot today.
    • If this is her first flu shot, we’ll give the second shot in about 1 month.
• Please read our guides to common vaccine reactions and acetaminophen and ibuprofen dosing you can use if these reactions occur.

Important Information Regarding the MMR and Varicella Vaccines

• 5-10% of children experience a delayed reaction to the MMR and varicella vaccines.
• Anytime in the next 3 weeks your child could develop a fever (100.4 F+) with or without a red, "sandpaper" body rash.
  • This vaccine reaction is normal and will not cause any long term effects.
• The fever can last for 72 hours, so please let us know if the fever is not gone within this time frame.
  • If your child has a fever and is extra fussy, please refer to our Motrin and Tylenol charts for weight-based dosing guidelines.
• The body rash will not be itchy or painful, and it will resolve within 7 days from the onset.
  • No treatment is needed for the rash.