Well-baby doctor visits: Why they're so important Published Jan. 23, 2013 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- You've missed your baby's scheduled well-baby doctor exam; should you be concerned? Your baby isn't sick, so it's not that important is it? Because babies grow so quickly, regular well-baby doctor visits help keep them happy and healthy. Wellness visits start two days after discharge from the hospital and should continue on the following schedule: 2 weeks old, then 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months old. These regular visits allow the pediatrician or nurse practitioner to check your baby's growth and development. They also give you - as the parent - important information about what to expect as your child grows up. Identifying any growth or development issues early helps your child get additional specialty care if needed. During a well-baby visit, your child will also receive any vaccinations that are due. Vaccinations are a big part of protecting your child from disease. If your baby isn't vaccinated, these diseases could make your child very sick, or even cause death. Make the most during your regular well-baby visits. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your child's development and bring them with you. This way you won't forget to ask the provider during the exam. Well-baby visits are a TRICARE-covered benefit with no authorizations, cost-shares, co-payments, or deductibles for those eligible.