Child development

Checks after birth

Checks include facial features and body proportions, limbs and spine, hands (number of creases on the palm could indicate Down's syndrome), umbillical cord, temperature, weight, length and head circumference.

Within 24 hours, a check is made for the passin of meconium; a black, sticky, tar-like bowel movement.

Further checks are made on ears, the fontanelles, abdomen, genitals, hip joints, eyes and…