What is a Well Baby Visit?
A well baby visit is a trip to the pediatrician when a baby is in fine physical health, without any illnesses. The focus of well baby visits is preventative care. Parents schedule well baby visits to the doctor for several reasons: to check the baby’s weight, general growth and development, monitor the baby’s hearing and vision, measure the baby’s head to ensure that his or her brain is developing properly, discuss or receive vaccinations and answer the mother or father’s parenting questions regarding their baby’s sleeping and eating habits, breast feeding and other issues. Later well baby visits can also include help with toilet training and adjusting to preschool. A well baby visit will typically be scheduled every few weeks for the baby’s first months. Visits may be every few months during the baby’s next two years. At least nine check-ups before the baby turns three are recommended, since babies develop so quickly in their first few years. Visitation schedules can be discussed with
