Sutter’s neonatal teams offer High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Programs to help babies get off to a healthy start.

If your baby meets certain criteria, you may be asked to schedule follow-up appointments three to four times during the first three years of life. These check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor your child's progress and to suggest services that help encourage optimal growth and development.

Your child's visits may include:

• A developmental evaluation using the Bayley Scales. This is a standardized assessment that assesses the child’s mental (play), language (talking, listening), and motor (movement) skills. It is a more detailed and thorough assessment than the Denver Developmental, which is the screening instrument most often used in the physician's office.
• A physical and neurological exam with an emphasis on the child's growth and neurologic maturation.
• Parental guidance on ways to promote your child's development.
• A composite report of your child's visit that will be mailed to you and your child's physician.
• Referrals to community programs, agencies and consultants, as needed.