Well-child visits (also called wellness visits) are important for every child’s health. They provide an opportunity to check up on your child’s growth and development, and get the vaccines they need for life-threatening diseases.
Often, well-child visits give parents a chance to discuss healthy lifestyle habits and other topics with their pediatrician or other health care provider. They can also help parents understand and manage health problems as they arise.
Newborn Visits
Newborn wellness visits are a necessary part of the infant and child health care system. These visits help protect babies and children from a wide variety of diseases and infections, while also monitoring their development.
Newborns receive wellness visits within a few days of birth in order to ensure that their vitals and health are on track. The doctor takes measurements, performs required screenings and gives your baby important vaccines.
3-5 Days After Birth
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby receive wellness visits at birth, 3-5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months.
Newborns are usually checked for weight, length and head circumference at each of these visits. These measurements help doctors find out what percentile your baby is compared to other babies her age and give them an idea of how fast she’s growing.
In addition, your doctor will examine eyes, ears, mouth, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, hips and legs and genitalia to make sure everything looks healthy. He’ll also check the soft spots on your baby’s head (called fontanels), which will disappear within 12 to 18 months.
4-6 Weeks After Birth
At this visit, we’ll check your baby’s weight and growth and monitor their eating habits. We’ll also ask you about your baby’s hydration needs.
Your baby will receive a series of vaccines at this appointment. These include the hepatitis B shot they received at birth, as well as RV (if needed), third doses of DTaP, PCV and Hib.
Then, we’ll do another metabolic screening (blood test). This test is used to screen for certain disorders and can help determine if your baby needs additional testing or treatment.
4-6 Months After Birth
A pediatrician’s wellness visits can be like an annual physical exam, but they focus on a baby’s development. They weigh, measure and chart growth.
They also give your child guidance on immunizations and health education.
Your doctor can also spot any behavioral or emotional issues that may have developed, such as a lack of sleep or eating.
Your doctor may also do a head-to-toe exam, including checking your child’s ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, hips and legs, and genitalia. These exams help your doctor detect any problems and treat them before they progress to a serious condition.
1 Year After Birth
During the first year of your baby’s life, you’ll need wellness visits to monitor their development, check for any illnesses or diseases, give them immunizations and do a few other fun things.
During this visit, the doctor will take measurements of your baby’s length (which later gets referred to as height), weight and head circumference. These are important because they help the doctor compare your child to other children their age. The doctor will also look for developmental milestones, like rolling over, sitting up or walking.
2 Years After Birth
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies receive wellness visits at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6 months and 2 years. These visits are a great opportunity for doctors to assess your baby’s physical and emotional development.
During these checkups, your doctor will also give your child shots (immuniizations) and do any necessary tests. This can help your doctor identify health issues before they worsen.