You and your child will get to know the pediatrician well in the first 12 months. Appointments will occur at 3-5 days after birth, 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months.
Preventive visits will cover:
- Developmental screening
- Hearing and vision
- Height and weight measurements
- Iron supplements for some infants
- Obesity screening and counseling
- Oral health risk assessment
- Anemia screening at 12 months
- Lead screening at 12 months
- Newborn Metabolic Panel
- Immunization Vaccines
The provider may talk about:
- Are you ok? Parental well-being including depression, stress, how to handle unsolicited advice and family roles
- What to expect: Infant behaviors to expect and how to adjust your lifestyle
- Who’s hungry? How to recognize baby hunger cues, keeping baby hydrated, burping techniques and guidance on breastfeeding and formula
- Staying Safe: Car seat installation and use, smoking in the household, preventing falls and home safety
- The day-to-day: Creating a routine and tips on everyday care
- Is anyone sleeping? Learning baby’s sleep and wake cycles, where baby sleeps and crib safety
- Playtime and developmental activities: Encouraging tummy time, rolling over and newborn reflexes
- Oral healthcare: Tips on maintaining a healthy mouth starting in infancy
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/periodicity_schedule.pdf.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. From Coverage to Care, go.cms.gov/c2c.