Information for Beneficiaries on Child HealthWell-Baby Care
Birth to 24 Months of Age
In the first year of life, babies undergo astonishing growth and development. Well-baby
examinations are scheduled regularly during the first 2 years of life due to the rapid growth and
change that occurs during infancy. During each visit the provider monitors, advises, and answers
questions on a baby’s growth and development.
The Bright Futures guidelines for preventive healthcare recommend that children visit a physician six
times during the first year, three times in the second year of life, and annually thereafter.^6
Well-child care continues through adolescence: your child
should have a preventive health visit annually between ages
3 and 21 years. More visits may be necessary according to
your child’s needs.
Why is it important? Well-baby care encourages parents
to follow a series of steps that strengthen the relationship
between parents and their new baby and also lays a
foundation for the baby’s physical well-being and good
mental health. Well-baby care also:
• Encourages and supports breastfeeding.
• Creates “teachable moments”—a window of time
when parents are particularly receptive to learning
about their child’s behavior and development.
• Makes referrals for maternal depression.
• Encourages parents to stop smoking.
• Focuses on joint problem-solving.
• Charts milestones of your child’s growth and social
interactions.
• Triggers questions that should be addressed during
subsequent visits.
Provider Visit Schedule
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536•• • • • • • • • • •
•• = within 1 week of birth and at 1 monthVISITMonTH