They plot each baby's growth on a growth chart. They ask each mother in turn what behaviors the baby is exhibiting, so the whole group can learn about developmental milestones. The pediatrician then examines each baby in front of everyone. The doctor would look at one baby and say, 'Get this checked out,' then look at another and say, 'He's nice and strong. The group meets for approximately 90 minutes on the regular schedule for well-baby visits in the baby's first 18 months.
Meetings cover age-appropriate discussion topics such as nutrition, safety, and behavior.
Parents are also encouraged to share their own experiences and raise questions for other parents or the clinicians. Group well-baby care showed substantial advantages in a number of areas. Mothers knew more about identifying fever. Emergency room and sick clinic visits were cut down drastically. Infants received more timely immunizations.