During your child's first year, you will visit your pediatrician often, even with a healthy child. Well-baby checkups allow your physician to monitor your baby's progress and allow you frequent opportunities to have your questions and concerns addressed.

"The whole purpose of well checkups is to give the pediatrician an opportunity to observe the infant at regular intervals," says Dr. Robin Altman, Chief of General Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, New York. "So much happens during the first year of life in terms of growth and development, and the recommended schedule of checkups is designed to let the pediatrician see the infant at critical moments when certain growth levels and developmental milestones are expected. Moreover, if there is a problem the doctor wants to recognize it early."

Well-baby checkups are recommended first within the first month, then at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. At each visit, the baby will receive a complete physical examination, and height and weight, as well as developmental milestones, will be assessed. Vaccinations will also be given during these appointments.

"The visits also provide the doctor with the opportunity to counsel parents at these critical times in their child's life, plus provide what is referred to as anticipatory guidance," Dr. Altman says. "Anticipatory guidance is advice as to what to anticipate from the baby between now and the next checkup ... based on the pediatrician's knowledge of how the baby will develop over that time period."

During visits, parents should also ask questions regarding their child's diet, sleep and growth issues, as well as safety and health in general.

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