You and your child's caregivers must work together and respect each other to be most effective. Infants and children should see their primary care physician routinely for many reasons. First, it's essential to gauge a child's growth, especially during the first year of life. The physician will plot the child's head circumference, length and weight on a growth chart, as deviations from a steady growth pattern may indicate medical conditions that require further investigation. The physician will also determine if your child's neurological and psychological development are on target.
Immunizations are an essential part of well-child care and are included in routine visits.
The primary care physician also will tell you what to expect your child to do as he or she develops and will provide information about problems you may encounter. Finally, visits to the physician's office are an opportunity for you to ask questions about your child's care. Prepare ahead for the visit by writing your questions down, which will make the best use of your and the physician's time. A physician will want to see an infant at 1 or 2 weeks of age to ensure that the baby is gaining weight steadily. Thereafter, schedule a yearly visit to the primary care physician's office until your child is ready to see a physician who specializes in adolescent or adult medicine.