Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic
Who We Are
The Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic is a collaborative program between Five Counties Children’s Centre and Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Our team includes a nurse, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist. All visits are publicly funded, so there’s no cost for families. Appointments take place at the Five Counties location (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough.
What We Do
Our team supports your baby’s development and overall wellbeing. We assess:
- Gross and fine motor skills.
- Language and social development.
- Physical health and growth.
How to Get Help
To access the clinic, a referral from a physician is required. Eligibility is based on specific criteria, which may include: time spent in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth or the presence of conditions that could affect your child’s development.
What to Expect
Your child will be seen by the Neonatal Follow-up Clinic team at key points during their first two years. This starts at 4 months of age (corrected for babies born early).
A typical visit includes:
- A play-based assessment to observe how your child moves and interacts.
- Standardized assessments of developmental skills and neurological responses.
- A check-in on caregiver’s wellbeing.
- Discussion related to your child’s feeding and sleeping.
- Time to ask questions and share concerns.
- Personalized recommendations to support your child’s next developmental steps.
- Referrals to local services if beneficial.
Additional Resources
Developmental Milestones
- Well-Baby Information Sheets – Rourke Baby Record
- Your Child’s Development: What to Expect – Caring For Kids
0-12 Months
Plagiocephaly & Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly & Torticollis Fact Sheet – Five Counties Children’s Centre
Play (Infant)
- Playtime with Your Baby: Learning and Growing in the First Year – Caring For Kids
Feeding Resources
- Feeding Your Baby: How to Start Solids – Nutrition Connection
- Constipation: What You Need to Know – CHEO
Sleep
- Healthy Sleep for Your Baby and Child – Caring For Kids
- Safe Sleep for Baby – Public Health Agency of Canada
Insect Repellent & Sun Safety
- Insect Repellents: Protecting Your Baby from Insect Bites – Caring For Kids
- Sun Safety for Your Child – Caring For Kids
12-24 Months
Play (Toddler)
- Your Busy Toddler: Games, Toys & Play in the 2nd Year of Life – Caring For Kids
Talking About Feelings with Your Young Child
- Helping Your Child Talk and Learn About Feelings – The Hanen Centre
Babyproofing
- Quick Tips on Babyproofing Your Home – Health Link BC
Screen Time
- Toddler Development and Screen Time – Health Link BC
Challenging Behaviours and Positive Parenting
- Parenting Your Toddler: Why Does Your Youngster ‘Act Out?’ – Health Link BC