NINE-MONTH CHECK UP

At your baby's nine-month checkup, the pediatrician might test your baby's blood for anemia (hematocrit or hemoglobin). Your baby might also get her last hepatitis B vaccine, if she didn't get it at the six-month visit. The doctor or nurse will weigh and measure your baby and plot the new numbers on your baby's growth chart, as well as: 1. Look over your baby's skin for rashes 2. Feel her head and soft spots (fontanels) 3. Ask about your baby's sight and hearing 4. Test the ability of your baby's eyes to focus straight ahead 5. Feel for any incoming teeth 6. Listen to your baby's heart and lungs 7. Feel your baby's abdomen and check her genitals 8. Test your baby's ability to sit and stand with help and examine her legs, feet and hips 9. Assess her muscle tone and strength 10. Observe how well your baby holds and moves her head 11. Watch for and ask about your baby's reaching skills 12. Evaluate her ability to grasp and let go