After leaving the neonatal unit, follow-up appointments are important to monitor your baby's health and development and address any concerns early on. Your family doctor, general practitioner (GP)⍰, paediatrician⍰ and/or community nurse⍰ – depending on your region/country – will support you to track your baby’s progress. Be sure to stay in touch with them and any specialists who might be involved in your baby's care. 

Frequent appointments

Preterm babies often need more frequent and thorough check-ups than full-term babies. Typical follow-up visits can be scheduled at 4-, 8-, 12-, 18-, 24- and 36-months corrected age. These appointments monitor your baby’s growth, development, feeding and sleep patterns, and give any necessary vaccinations⍰.

Managing multiple appointments can be hard and stressful for parents, especially if you have to travel far or often. If you find it overwhelming, talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of rearranging some appointments, combining various specialist appointments, or organising them at home whenever possible. You can also ask to have several appointments on the same day to reduce travel.   

It is normal to feel worried about these appointments. Writing down questions beforehand can help you feel more prepared and in control. It may also be helpful to take someone with you to help you remember the information and provide emotional support.