Preventive Health Care Visits
Healthy infants should be seen by their doctor often during the first year of life. Visits typically take place by 1 to 2 weeks, and at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. During these visits, the doctor monitors the child's growth and development by measuring the child's length, weight, and head circumference, and asking the parents questions about various developmental milestones. The doctor also examines the child for various abnormalities, including signs of hereditary disorders. Hearing and vision are tested. An infant who was born prematurely (after spending less than 37 weeks in the uterus) is regularly examined for retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disease (see Section 23, Chapter 264). Finally, on many visits, the doctor vaccinates the child against various illnesses.
Healthcare visits also allow the doctor to educate the parents about eating, sleeping, behavior, child safety, and good health habits. In addition, the doctor advises the parents what changes to expect in their child by the next visit.
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