Baby Basics for the First Year of Development

By Heather Bywaters RN PHN

There are many things to know as a parent. It can be difficult to keep track of everything! Here are some health-related recommendations for the Early Years.

My Baby’s First Trip to the Dentist

The Ontario Dental Association recommends babies have their first dental checkup when teeth first come in or by their first birthday. Dentists and dental hygienists also encourage brushing or using a cloth to wipe baby’s teeth and gums after feedings. You can learn more about dental health in Middlesex-London at www.healthunit.com/dental-health.

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a free program funded by the Province of Ontario providing dental services for children and youth under 17 years of age. Preventative, routine and emergency care are included.

My Baby’s First Hearing Test

Ideally, an infant should have their first hearing test in hospital, before discharge, after birth as part of the Infant Hearing Program – Southwest Ontario. When this is not possible, families receive a phone call within two weeks of discharge to schedule an appointment. Call 519-663-0273 or 1-877-818-8255 if the two-week time passes without a call.

My Baby’s First Vision Test

The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends infants have their eyes examined first at six months and then once a year after that. Annual eye exams for children from birth to 19 years of age are covered under OHIP, Ontario’s health care plan.
Eye See…Eye Learn is a program providing free eyeglasses to students in junior kindergarten with a prescription from a participating optometrist.

Well-Baby Visits and Weight Checks for my Child

The Dieticians of Canada, the Canadian Pediatric Society and other health experts have established a schedule for growth and development monitoring for young children:
- They suggest visits within one to two weeks after birth, at one, two, four, six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 months, and with annual check-ups after that.
- At 18 months, your healthcare provider should provide the 18 month enhanced well-baby visit. To prepare for this visit, you can complete the 18 month Looksee Checklist yourself. Sign-up for all of the checklists from one month to six years of age.
- If your child cannot complete a task on any checklist for their age, contact your healthcare provider.
- Well-baby visits also coincide with the Ontario Immunization Schedule. Routine immunizations are one of our most important tools to stay healthy.