Infant Follow-Up/Developmental Clinic

Overview

The Infant Follow-up Clinic evaluates the growth and development of infants and young children who are at risk for neurologic problems or developmental delays because of premature birth, low birth weight, or other birth-related problems.These are primarily children cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Covenant Children's Hospital, or its partner sites. We use developmental evaluation tools to monitor your child's health and development.We make referrals to specialists, as needed, to help your child reach their full potential. Early diagnosis and treatment of developmental delays may prevent or lessen long-term problems associated with prematurity and serious newborn illness.

Developmental examinations are performed by a pediatric nurse practitioner to evaluate how your baby is growing, changing, learning and developing.

Using best practice tools and guidelines we evaluate:

• Neuromotor function (muscle strength or weakness)
• Growth and nutrition (physical growth)
• Language development (ability to listen and talk)
• Social interaction (ability to interact with others)
• Developmental milestones (ability to achieve developmental stages)

Typically, high-risk children are seen three times before they turn 3: at about six months, at 12-18 months, and as they turn 2 years old.

Patient Risk Criteria

Your child may be referred to clinic if they meet any of the criteria below

• ≤1500 grams at birth
• ≤34 weeks gestation at birth
• Congenital cardiac disease
• Infants who required whole body cooling
• Infants who required ECMO
• Neurological issues such as HIE
• IVH
• Genetic disorders
• Other medical concerns as deemed by neonatal provider

Who Will My Child See?

Your child will see a team of providers - anchored by a pediatric hospitalist. Other providers your child may encounter or be referred to for services include:

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker/Case Manager
• Dietitian