Recommendations for preventive pediatric health care. Breastfeeding encouraged and instruction and support offered. Developmental, psychosocial, and chronic disease issues for children and adolescents may require frequent counseling and treatment visits separate from preventive care visits. If a child comes under care for the first time at any point on the schedule, or if any items are not accomplished at the suggested age, the schedule should be brought up to date at the earliest possible time. If the patient is uncooperative, rescreen within six months.
Some experts recommend objective appraisal of hearing in the newborn period.
The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing has identified patients at significant risk for hearing loss. All children meeting these criteria should be objectively screened. See the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1994 Position Statement. At each visit, a complete physical examination is essential, with infant totally unclothed, older child undressed and suitably draped. These may be modified, depending upon entry point into schedule and individual need.