In the first 12 hours a pediatrician will give your baby a checkup. In addition to a head-to-toe examination, there will be checks made on skin color, temperature, and muscle tone, and on reflexes, such as sucking and grasping.
![Doctor examining baby Doctor examining baby](/sites/default/files/fe_slideshow/2010_07/ddpb442fir12_015.jpg)
Heart and Lungs
The heart and lungs are checked to ensure they sound normal.
![Doctor examining baby Doctor examining baby](/sites/default/files/collection-item/ddpb442fir12_016.jpg)
Head Shape
The baby's head shape and fontanelles (soft areas between the skull bones) are examined.
![Doctor examining baby's feet Doctor examining baby's feet](/sites/default/files/collection-item/ddpb442fir12_017.jpg)
Hands and Feet
Baby's hands and feet are checked for reflexes, and fingers and toes are counted.
![Doctor examining baby Doctor examining baby](/sites/default/files/collection-item/ddpb442fir12_018.jpg)
Mouth and Palate
The separate sections of baby's mouth should have fused together.
![Doctor examining baby Doctor examining baby](/sites/default/files/collection-item/ddpb442fir12_019.jpg)
Hips
The hips are rotated and the legs are bent upward to check for signs of dislocation.
![Doctor examining baby Doctor examining baby](/sites/default/files/collection-item/ddpb442fir12_020.jpg)
Spine
The spine is checked to ensure it is straight and free from abnormalities.