12 Month Visit Preview

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.