PHYSICAL EXAMINATION VISUAL GUIDE

Head‐to‐Toe Assessment - Infant

The examination of infants differs from adult examinations and even those of older children.

An examination of this nature will benefit from an efficient sequence of examination plus the

clinician’s flexibility to respond to the infant’s level of cooperation.

You will find that the infant’s level of development affects the degree of cooperation. A three‐

month old infant will normally lift the head and clasp the hands.

By six months, infants normally roll over, turn to voices and reach for objects—including those in

your hands.

A one‐year‐old may be standing and putting everything in their mouth—including any equipment

you might set down within their reach.

Temperaments vary; some infants respond positively to new stimuli—including you. Others may

respond to you intensely, or negatively.

You can increase the chances of obtaining cooperation by considering the following tips.

Try to examine infants one to two hours after feeding, when they are most responsive and liable

to be less cranky.

Ask the parent about the infant’s strengths in order to elicit useful developmental and parenting

information.

Begin by discussing with the parents any concerns or questions they may have. This is also a time

to talk about strategies to optimize the health and well‐being of their infant.

With the patient’s health history in mind, and after good hand hygiene, you are ready for the

physical examination.

Examine the infant in the presence of the parents, as parents often can help to calm a restless or

screaming baby. You can examine the infant in the parent’s lap if needed but an examination

table or crib is optimal.

General Survey and Somatic Growth

Perform a general survey, inspecting the patient closely—literally, from “head‐to‐toe”—in order

to form impressions for your written assessment.