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HomeMemberHelpful ToolsHealth ResourcesInfant and Early Childhood Development

Infant and Early Childhood Development

All babies develop at their own pace. It is important to make sure your child sees a pediatrician on a regular basis and gets the vaccines needed to stay healthy. Recommended screenings, vaccinations, and care can help make sure your child has the best start in life.

Well-Child Visits

Well-child visits are important doctor visits for your kids. Your child’s pediatrician will look at your child’s health for physical, emotional, and social development. Children will get a physical exam and vaccines as needed. During the first two years of your baby's life, there are several well visits to ensure your child is growing up healthy.

The recommended well-child visits are:

  • Newborn Visit
  • 1 Month Old (If Breastfeeding)
  • 2 Month Visit
  • 4 Month Visit
  • 6 Month Visit
  • 9 Month Visit
  • 12 Month/1 Year Visit
  • 15-18 Months of Age
  • 24 Month/2 Year Visit
  • 30 Month Visit

    • Ask questions at these visits. After your child turns 2 years old, well-child visits should continue once a year. If you need help finding a provider, visit     fideliscare.org/findadoctor.

    baby-gets-well-visit

    Developmental Milestones

    During your child’s well visits, the pediatrician can tell you about your child’s development and let you know when to expect new milestones — like walking and talking. These are sometimes called “developmental milestones.” Every child learns at a different rate, so ask your pediatrician if you have questions.

    1 Month

    At 1 month of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Facial expressions
    • Responding to loud noises
    • Makes quick movements with arms
    • Brings hands within range of eyes and mouth
    • Head control: Moves head from side to side while lying on stomach
    • Keeps hands in tight fists
    • Strong reflex movements
    2 to 3 Months

    At 2-3 months of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Raising their head and chest when laying on their stomach
    • Making coos and gurgling noises
    • Unclenching their fists and reaching for objects
    • Following objects with their eyes
    • Smiling
    4 to 6 Months

    At 4-6 months of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Rolling over and reaching with both arms
    • Holding their head steady
    • Laughing and babbling
    • Recognizing familiar people and identifying strangers
    • Responding to their name
    • Sitting upright without support by the end of this period
    7 to 9 Months

    At 7-9 months of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Using voice to show happiness or sadness
    • Playing peek-a-boo
    • Understanding the word “no”
    • Choosing favorite toys
    10 to 11 Months

    At 10-11 months of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Speaking first words like “mama” and “dada”
    • Pulling themselves up to stand
    • Holding, shaking, and throwing objects
    • Showing interest in their environment
    12 Months (1 Year)

    At 12 months (one year) of age, here are some developmental benchmarks for your baby:

    • Starting to walk, standing on their own, or walking by holding onto furniture
    • Holding and using objects like a crayon or a cup
    • Speaking with tone, like “uh-oh!”
    • Trying to imitate words
    • Copying movement

    Immunizations

    Review the below recommended childhood vaccines for a child's first two years.

    • A check ✓means that this is the earliest and best time for your child to be immunized.
    • If your child misses the “best time” for vaccination, he or she should still be immunized as quickly as possible.
    • Ask your doctor about getting your child caught up.

    Vaccine against:

    Birth

    2 months

    4 months

    6 months

    12 months

    15 months

    18-23 months

     

    Hepatitis B

     

    ✓

    ✓

    1-2 mo.

     

    ✓

    6-18 mo.

     

     

     

    Rotavirus

     

    ✓

    ✓

    ✓1

     

     

     

     

    Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)

     

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

    15-18 mo.

     

    Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

     

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

     

    ✓1

    ✓

    12-15 mo.

     

     

    Pneumococcal Disease (PCV)3

     

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

    ✓

    12-15 mo.

     

    Ask your doctor if your child 2 years old or older should get vaccinated with PPSV23.3

     

    Polio (IPV)

     

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

    ✓

    6-18 mo.

     

     

     

    Influenza

     

     

     

    Recommended yearly for all children aged 6 months and older. Ask your doctor if your child should receive one or two doses.

    Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)4

     

     

     

    See footnote 4

    ✓

    12-15 mo.

     

     

     

    Varicella (Chickenpox)

     

     

     

     

    ✓

    12-15 mo.

     

     

    Hepatitis A

     

     

     

     

    ✓

     

    ✓

    Meningococcal Disease5

       

     

    Ask your doctor if your child 2 months old or older should get vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

     

    1  For some types of Hib and Rotavirus vaccine, the 6-month dose is not needed.

    2  Tdap: Children 7-10 years old who are not fully immunized against pertussis should receive a single dose of Tdap.

    3  PCV = Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine; PPSV23 = Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

    4  MMR: Children 6-11 months old who are traveling outside the U.S. should receive one dose of MMR before departure.

    5  There are two vaccines that protect against meningococcal disease. Some children with special medical conditions may need both MCV4 and MenB.

    This schedule is aligned with national guidelines set by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and recommendations by the CDC.                                         New York State Department of Health


    Important Screenings and Dental Visit

     

    Wellness Screenings

    Talk to your provider about simple blood tests your baby may need.

    Newborn Blood Screening

    – Within First Few Days of Birth

    Lead Screening:

    – 12 Months

    – 24 Months

    Hematocit or Hemoglobin Test: 

    – 12 Months

     

    Dental Visit

    Your baby’s first checkup should be scheduled once the first tooth appears, but no later than age 1.

    Let's Get Your Child Covered

    Fidelis Care covers routine, preventive, and emergency dental care for kids under 19 through the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus program. Premiums may be free or as low as $15 based on family income.

    Learn More