Early Disease Detection

Screening, Birth to 12 Months

Your baby should have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-baby visits, beginning shortly after birth. During these visits, your 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 1 or 2 weeks of age.
• At 1 or 2 months of age.
• At 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.

All provinces and territories offer newborn screening, but the tests offered vary. The tests may include:

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

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

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

• Vision, if your health professional feels that it is necessary.
• Height, 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 examination are unclear, an imaging test such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be used to evaluate your child's hip joints. For more information, see the topic Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

If your 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 the important markers (milestones) of infant growth and development, see the topics Growth and Development, Newborn and Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: February 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.