Babies between 1 month and 1 year of age should have routine checkups, sometimes called well baby visits, at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. During these visits, your baby's growth and development are evaluated to see whether he or she is reaching the milestones for each specific age.

At every checkup, the health professional:

• Looks at your baby's physical growth by measuring weight, length, and head circumference. These measurements are plotted on a growth chart and are compared to previous and later markings to make sure your baby is growing as expected.
• Asks you about your baby's motor and sensory development, vision, and hearing. Your baby receives a thorough examination, and immunizations are given. For more information, see the topic Immunizations or the childhood immunization schedule(What is a PDF document?).
• Assesses your baby's emotional and social development by observing his or her interactions with you. You will be asked questions about how you and the rest of the family are doing, how your baby is eating and sleeping, and whether you have noticed any changes in behavior.

In addition to the above assessments, the health professional will be especially interested in checking specific developments at your baby's:

• 2-month checkup. Is your baby smiling yet? Do you have a routine feeding schedule? Are you bonding with your baby? Is the rest of the family adjusting to the baby?
• 4-month checkup. Is your baby reaching and grasping? Does your baby try to bring objects to his or her mouth? Are crying spells shortening? Is your baby settling in with the family, and is your family enjoying the baby?
• 6-month checkup. Is your baby able to sit? How is your baby's sensory and motor development and hand-eye coordination?
• 9-month checkup. How is your baby eating? Is your baby able to pick up objects? Does your baby respond to his or her name?
• 12-month checkup. Does your baby walk holding on to furniture? Does your baby enjoy playing peekaboo or patty-cake?

Routine checkups are a good time for parents to ask about what to expect in the weeks to come. You may find it helpful to keep a running list of questions(What is a PDF document?).