HEDI - U4 Check-Up: 3

At the U4 check-up, which takes place when your baby is three of four months old, your doctor will primarily check whether their physical and mental development is on track with their age. Of course, children grow and mature at different rates. This is perfectly normal. But because the U4, like every U-check-up, follows a prescribed pattern and the results are documented regularly, the doctor can see relatively well whether there are signs of developmental delay or illness.

What is being checked?

As in the U3, the doctor will give your baby a thorough physical examination. They will also check that the fontanelle, i.e. the bone gap on the head, is large enough for the skull to continue to grow without problems. In addition to another eye test and hearing test, the doctor will also check your baby's mobility and reactions. Can your baby already hold its head up? What sounds do they make? Do they laugh and squeal at different volumes? If you show your baby a pencil, do they follow it with their eyes and turn their head along with it?

Tips for your baby’s safety

At the U4 check-up, you will also get hints and tips about what you should pay special attention to with a baby of this age. This includes, among other things, a child-safe environment. For example, at the age of three to four months, babies begin to reach for objects and put everything they can get their hands on into their mouths. If you are not careful, babies can swallow all kinds of small things and in the worst case even choke on them. In addition, your baby is now slowly becoming able to turn and roll on their own. So now you have to pay even more attention to what they’re doing. Otherwise your baby might suddenly roll off the changing table or sofa in during a moment when you’ve looked away.

Vaccinations

When your baby is three months old, they should get second part of their 6-in-1 hexavalent vaccine. However, most paediatricians do not give vaccinations during the U4 appointment. This is because you don't want your child to associate the U-check-ups with anything painful. But they will tell you about the next vaccination and discuss it with you at the U4. Most of the time you can make an appointment for the vaccination while you’re there.

Address any problems

Maybe your baby has already developed a relatively stable sleep schedule, or maybe they still wake up every three to four hours. Both are normal at this age. However, not getting enough sleep for weeks on end can be quite stressful for you as a parent. You may also feel overwhelmed, helpless, or afraid that you are not up to this new big task. If so, you should definitely bring this up with the doctor. Paediatricians are familiar with problems like this. They deal with them every day and can give you valuable advice. Sometimes it helps just to get some tips on how you might manage your daily life a little differently. There are usually several contact points in your area where you can get professional support. You should also talk to your doctor if you are worried or have the impression that your baby is developing more slowly than other children. At the check-up, it is best to describe what exactly you have observed about your baby and what seems strange to you. Paediatricians can then assess relatively well whether further screenings are necessary or whether you are worrying needlessly.

What's next?

Next on the schedule is vaccination. In three to four months, your baby will have their next check-up - the U5 check-up. You can go ahead and schedule the U5 at the end of the U4 so that you don't forget about it and are still able to get a free appointment in time.