Should Baby Have More Well-Baby Visits If They Were Born Premature?

For every baby, well-baby visits are important check-ins with baby’s healthcare providers. Should baby have more visits if they were born premature?

The short answer is no, if they are progressing in their development then they can follow the typical schedule of recommended well-baby visits. The AAP recommends these visits at 3-5 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months and 2 years old.

While there is no recommendation for additional well-baby visits just because baby is premature, their healthcare provider may recommend additional check-ups depending on baby’s needs. These will often be to monitor a specific issue and provide special care for baby. Prematurity may impact baby’s health, feeding and growth, so they may need some additional monitoring and support. Areas like motor skills, feeding, senses and communication may be impacted by prematurity. There is so much healthcare providers can do to help baby in all of these areas, so additional check-ins will help with this process!

Baby may have also spent more time in the hospital when they were first born. Therefore, they may have spent some of their well-baby visits in the hospital. If this is the case for your little one, ask their healthcare provider when they should visit so you can make sure they are getting the care they need. Learn how to prepare for a well-baby visit if baby is premature.