A well-child visit is more than just a check-up — it’s a chance to support your child’s health, growth and development every step of the way. From the first days of life through the teenage years, these yearly visits with your child’s pediatrician help ensure they’re growing up healthy, strong and thriving. Here’s what you can expect at every age.
Each year, your child’s pediatrician will take the time to listen to concerns and answer questions that you or your child may have about their growth and development. Your pediatrician will also discuss any changes your child can make to improve their health, like exercising, reducing screen time or eating more veggies.
What actually happens during a well-child visit?
The purpose of a well-child visit is to help prevent childhood diseases, identify problems early and promote healthy development. All well-child visits include:
- Developmental screenings: Your pediatrician will go over health milestones
- Health and safety discussions: Nutrition, exercise and accident prevention (the importance of wearing a bike helmet and buckling up in the car, for instance) are discussed
- Immunizations and vaccinations: Immunizations by age will be given to protect your child from childhood illnesses like measles
- Physical exam: Your pediatrician will measure height, weight and blood pressure and listen to your child’s lungs. They will also check their eyes, ears, nose and mouth, feel their abdomen and check bones and joints
- Health screenings: Your child may have their hearing and vision checked and will be screened for mental health wellness
How often does my child need to be seen by their pediatrician?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits on a set schedule. Generally, well-child visits occur at:
- Birth, 2–5 days old, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months, 2 years and 2.5 years old. After 2.5 years old, your child will have annual visits until they are 21 years old
- Beginning at age 12, children may consent to their own medical care for substance use without the need for parental permission
- The 21st Century Cures Act gives adolescents the right to confidentiality in health
What do I need to do before my well-child visit?
You can do a few simple things to prepare for your child’s checkup.
- You may want to make a list of questions to help you remember what to ask your pediatrician
- Be aware of any recent changes in health, problems or concerns you have
- Review your family health history in case any questions come up
What happens when I arrive for my well-child visit?
When you arrive for your child’s well visit, you’ll check in at the front desk. A nurse or medical assistant will bring you and your child to an exam room, take their height, weight and vital signs, and ask a few questions about their health and development.
Your pediatrician will knock before entering, introduce themselves and begin the visit.
When will my child receive immunizations?
Immunizations are part of most well-child visits. Vaccines are an important part of staying healthy—they protect children from preventable childhood diseases, some of which can be serious and even deadly. Vaccines are usually given at the end of the appointment after the exam is complete.
Immunizations are given based on the following schedule:
