The First Examinations
Accompanying your newborn's first days with expertise and kindness: a complete guide to essential medical examinations from birth.
A Kind Look at Their Health
The first moments of life are precious. At La Vie de Bébé, we believe that understanding medical examinations is the first step toward a calm parenting journey. This guide details each step of neonatal follow-up to provide you with absolute clarity.
The First Life Assessments
From the very first seconds after birth, a series of meticulous examinations begins. The goal is never to worry, but to ensure that your child is adapting perfectly to their new environment.
-
The Apgar Score: Immediate assessment of vitality.
-
The Clinical Examination: A head-to-toe check.
-
Sensory Screenings: Ensuring baby perceives the world.
The Apgar Test
Performed at 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life, this test observes 5 criteria: Heart rate, Breathing, Muscle tone, Stimuli response, and Skin color. It's baby's first health report card!
Learn more about baby's appearance →Measurements & Adaptation
Weight, height, and head circumference are recorded precisely. Did you know that a slight weight loss in the first few days is completely normal? It's natural postnatal adaptation.
Archaic Reflexes
The pediatrician checks automatic walking, grasping, and Moro reflexes. These neurological reactions are the pillars of their future motor skills.
Discover the reflexes →The Guthrie Test: An Essential Screening
Performed around the 3rd day of life, often via a small heel prick, the Guthrie test is a pillar of preventive medicine in France. It allows for the early screening of several rare but serious genetic diseases:
- • Phenylketonuria
- • Congenital Hypothyroidism
- • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- • Sickle Cell Disease
- • Cystic Fibrosis
- • MCAD Deficiency
No news within 10 days generally means everything is normal. This test offers invaluable security for your child's future development.
Medical Follow-up Simulator (Year 1)
Select your baby's age to see the planned examinations.
Examinations at Birth
• Apgar test (immediate)
• Hearing screening (before discharge)
• Guthrie test (D3)
• Complete pediatric examination (D1 to D4)
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if baby cries a lot during the examination? ↓
It's a normal reaction! The pediatrician is used to it. To help, keep eye contact or let them squeeze your pinky finger. Handling is always done gently.
Is the hearing test painful? ↓
Not at all. Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are used via a small flexible probe placed at the entrance of the ear. Baby can even sleep during the test.
When does the first pediatric examination take place? ↓
The very first examination takes place in the delivery room (Apgar score). A complete pediatric examination is then performed within the first 24 hours of life.
Continue Your Journey
Every stage of a baby's life is a new adventure. Explore our guides to grow together with confidence.