Well-child visits are regular checkups that children have with their healthcare provider. They are an important part of keeping children healthy and preventing problems. Well-child visits start soon after birth and continue throughout childhood.
What happens during a well-child visit?
During a well-child visit, the healthcare provider will:
- Measure the child’s height, weight, and head circumference
- Check the child’s vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
- Perform a physical exam
- Ask the parents about the child’s health and development
- Give the child any recommended immunizations
The healthcare provider may also talk to the parents about feeding, sleep, nutrition, and safety.
What to expect at different ages
The specific things that happen during a well-child visit will vary depending on the child’s age. For example, at a baby’s first well-child visit, the healthcare provider will check the baby’s reflexes and listen to the baby’s heart and lungs. At an older child’s well-child visit, the healthcare provider may ask the child questions about school and activities.
Here is a general overview of what to expect at different ages:
- Newborn: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs.
- 1-month: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs. The baby will also receive their first set of immunizations.
- 2-month: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs. The baby will also receive their second set of immunizations.
- 4-month: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs. The baby will also receive their third set of immunizations.
- 6-month: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs. The baby will also receive their fourth set of immunizations.
- 9-month: The healthcare provider will check the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the baby’s vital signs, reflexes, and heart and lungs. The baby will also receive their fifth set of immunizations.
- 12-month: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, vision, and hearing. The child will also receive their sixth set of immunizations.
- 15-month: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, and vision.
- 18-month: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, and hearing.
- 24-month: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, vision, and hearing.
- 30-month: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, vision, and hearing.
- 4-year: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, vision, hearing, and dental health.
- 5-year: The healthcare provider will check the child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will also check the child’s vital signs, developmental milestones, vision, hearing, and dental health.
Why are well-child visits important?
Well-child visits are important for a number of reasons. They help to:
- Keep children healthy by identifying and treating health problems early
- Prevent health problems from developing
- Educate parents about child health and development
- Provide support and resources to parents
How to prepare for a well-child visit
Here are some tips for preparing for a well-child visit:
- Make an appointment in advance.
- Bring a list of any questions or concerns you have about your child’s health and development.
- Gather your child’s immunization records.
- Dress
