Early Disease Detection

Screening, Birth to 12 Months

Your baby should have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-baby visits, starting shortly after birth. During these visits, the doctor examines your baby for possible problems and asks you questions about your baby's growth and development. Generally, a baby is evaluated:

• Right after birth.
• At 3 to 5 days old.
• By 1 month of age.
• At 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.

All states require newborn screening, although the tests required vary from state to state. They may include:

• Phenylketonuria (PKU) screen.
• Galactosemia test.
• Sickle cell disease test.
• Thyroid hormone tests (for congenital hypothyroidism).
• Hearing tests.

A hematocrit test may be done if your doctor is concerned about your baby's red blood cell count.

At each well-baby visit, the doctor or nurse will check your baby's:

• Vision, if he or she feels that it is necessary.
• Length, weight, and head circumference.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a childhood condition caused by abnormal development of the hip joint. All newborns are examined for DDH at birth, and the growth and development of your child's hips should also be examined during regular well-child checkups until he or she begins walking normally. If the results of a physical exam are unclear, an imaging test such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be used to check your child's hip joints. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not have enough evidence to recommend routine infant screening for DDH as a way to improve the health outcome. For more information, see the topic Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

If the doctor is concerned that your child has been exposed to certain substances or diseases, tests may include:

• Lead screening.
• Tuberculosis screening.

For more information on important markers (milestones) of infant growth and development, see the topics Growth and Development, Newborn and Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: May 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
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