Final answer:
Regular medical checkups are necessary to determine if a child's growth and development are on track. This involves measuring their weight and length and comparing them to standard values for infants of the same age. Monitoring growth and development allows for early intervention if any concerns arise.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the first year of life, regular medical checkups are necessary to determine if a child's growth and development are on track. These checkups typically involve measuring the child's weight and length and comparing them to standard values for infants of the same age. The main purpose is to assess whether the child is growing normally and to identify any potential health issues or deficiencies.
For example, if a baby is growing too slowly, it could indicate a health problem or undernourishment. On the other hand, if the baby is growing too quickly, it may increase the risk of obesity later in life. By monitoring the child's growth and development through regular medical checkups, healthcare professionals can intervene early if any concerns arise and provide appropriate interventions and guidance.